Barcelona players are ready for their biggest test of the campaign so far as they take on Real Madrid in the first Clasico of the season
Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde has stirred excitement ahead of this weekend’s El Clasico, boldly declaring his hope that the Blaugrana can “thrash Madrid at the Bernabeu again.”
The 20-year-old made the confident remark after Barcelona’s 6-1 demolition of Olympiacos in the Champions League, a result that seems to have restored belief within Xavi’s young squad.
Balde’s bold statement fuels El Clasico anticipation
In his post-match interview, Balde sounded confident saying, “I hope we can thrash Madrid at the Bernabeu again, but the most important part is who wins the three points.”
The young defender, who has become one of the brightest sparks in Barcelona’s backline, believes the team’s morale is high heading into the clash. “We have good feelings ahead of El Clasico,” he added. “It doesn’t matter which team is in better form. In this match, anything can happen.”
Alejandro Balde poses in the Barcelona x Travis Scott shirt for El Clasico | fcbarcelona.com
His comments come at a time when both Barcelona and Real Madrid have shown inconsistent form this season.
Despite their uneven performances, Madrid currently top La Liga by two points, putting added pressure on Barça to deliver in the Spanish capital. Still, Balde’s upbeat mood reflects the growing optimism around Hansi Flick’s side after their electric showing in Europe.
Barcelona regain confidence after Olympiacos thrashing
Barcelona’s 6-1 rout of Olympiacos could not have come at a better time. Following a painful 2-1 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the previous gameweek, Flick’s men produced a statement performance, powered by a Fermin Lopez hat-trick and a Marcus Rashford brace.
The Catalan giants dominated from start to finish, with their fluid attacking play leaving the Greek visitors chasing shadows.
Olympiacos managed to pull one back through El Kaabi’s penalty, but their hopes were dashed after Santiago Hezze’s red card, which turned the contest completely in Barcelona’s favour.
The win not only boosted Barça’s Champions League standing but also reignited confidence ahead of their biggest domestic test of the season.
