The upcoming Clasico is set to be a special one, for Barcelona and Real Madrid both have some momentum but also lack the same to varying extents.
The Catalans have been on an unstoppable run all season, and are yet to drop a point in La Liga. Their momentum, in that sense, is at an all-time high except for the fact that they lost midweek to PSG and faced their first defeat of the season just before the Clasico.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, have been dismal all season but have only picked up momentum in their last two games. Their situation, in that sense, is exactly the opposite of where Barcelona find themselves.
Star goalkeeper’s message
Courtois will be key vs Barcelona. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Ahead of the blockbuster Clasico this weekend, Real Madrid veteran Thibaut Courtois was asked to give his honest thoughts on Barcelona, their current form and what he expected from El Clasico.
He began by taking a dig at Barcelona players and suggested that they always try to put Real Madrid’s players down, and stood on a moral high ground by suggesting his team were different.
“El Clasico? First of all, we have absolutely no problem saying the names of FC Barcelona players, that’s where I think we are different.”
“It’s not a problem for us to praise someone, even if he is our rival. We respect players who are doing a good job, unlike the other side,” he added.
The veteran took a dig at Barcelona. (Photo by Mateo Villalba Sanchez/Getty Images)
Courtois then spoke on how El Clasico has now regained its former glory with superstars on both sides of the pitch, especially after a short period where it seemingly lost its glamour.
“Maybe there was a time when stars were missing from El Clasico, but now there are new players on the scene.”
He then went on to name the players he considers bona fide superstars on both sides.
“We have Viní, Mbappé, Jude. They have Raphinha, Lamine, who is a fantastic player.”
Courtois concluded by giving his two cents on Barcelona’s recent dominance over Real Madrid and how Los Blancos were waiting for revenge now.
“It’s an intense rivalry. Over the last few years, they have hurt us in some games; now it is time for us to respond. Winning on their ground would send a strong message.”
Source: DAZN