Barcelona are preparing for this weekend’s El Clasico at the Spotify Camp Nou, hoping to put the 4-2 defeat to PSG in the Champions League behind them.
Los Blancos, on the other hand, are coming into this game on the back of a convincing 4-1 victory over RB Leipzig.
After the game, Madrid players Bernardo Silva and Yan Diomande acknowledged the importance of the upcoming game.
Barça are heading into this encounter holding a six-point advantage over their biggest rivals, looking to extend it to nine this weekend.
Bernardo Silva admits Real Madrid cannot afford another setback
As quoted by FCB World, Bernardo admitted that the result could have significant consequences for the title race.
“It’s an important match, we’re not going to lie. We’re six points behind, and the gap could become three points, nine points, or remain at six. That makes a difference,” he explained.
Bernardo Silva remains wary of Barcelona threat. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
The Portuguese midfielder also stressed the importance of Madrid delivering a convincing performance against their biggest rivals.
“It’s a very important match, and we have to approach it with a strong desire to perform well.”
While Bernardo conceded that the competition is in its early stages, he insisted that the points available on Sunday could be valuable.
“At the end of the day, it’s still early in the season, but these are very important points for us.”
Yan Diomande confident ahead of Barcelona showdown
Diomande, meanwhile, adopted a more optimistic tone when discussing the fixture.
“I’m looking forward to playing in matches like these,” the youngster said.
“We’re ready. We have confidence, and we’re going to give everything to win it.”
Real Madrid clearly understands the importance of getting a victory against Barcelona later this week.
Yan Diomande remains optimistic of Madrid’s performance against Barca. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Even though it is still early in the season, a nine-point gap at the top could be a very difficult mountain to climb.
Barcelona under Hansi Flick have become increasingly relentless and have a perfect record in the league so far.
The Catalan club will be keen to return to winning ways, and it remains to be seen how they fare against their arch-rivals this Sunday.