Barcelona president confident ahead of Real Madrid showdown – ‘Convinced we’re going to win’

Barcelona are gearing up for their most important match of the season as they take on Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu this weekend.

It is a must-win encounter for the Blaugrana , who are trailing their arch-rivals in the league table.

Barcelona have dominated Real Madrid last season, securing four wins in four matches in all competitions. Keeping that in mind, coach Joan Laporta is confident of his team heading into this clash.

Speaking ahead of the clash, Laporta said he is confident Barcelona will continue dominating Real Madrid this weekend.

“In a Clasico , it’s the match of greatest rivalry and the players want to give their best. I know our players are very motivated; whoever comes out, we’re going to have a chance,” he said (h/t MARCA ).

“I’m convinced they’re going to give us something to cheer about, that we’re going to win at the Bernabeu, as they’ve been doing.”

“Last year, for example, it happened. I had lunch with the team yesterday after training, and they look very motivated, very focused,” he added.

Talking about what it means to win at the Bernabeu, Laporta sounded confident as well about Barcelona’s chances.

“If you’re a Barça fan, it’s a place that invites you to be excited, very focused on the game and the atmosphere. If you win, it’s spectacular. I’ve had the luck and privilege of experiencing those Clasicos , and a few others, and they really are very nice feelings.

Barcelona will look to secure a win vs Real Madrid this weekend. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

“Although they say it’s just another game, it’s never just another game. It’s a game that sets trends, and if we win – and I’m convinced the players will do everything possible to win and put us in the lead – it marks an upward trend,” he said.

Laporta went on to talk about Hansi Flick’s suspension, especially after the authorities upheld the call despite Barcelona’s appeal.

“Without meaning to criticise the referees, there are circumstances that should be examined. The first yellow card is indeed the referee’s decision, but you’re left waiting for the coach’s reaction, and when they show you the card, you’re not happy or content, ” he said.

“Waiting for a reaction, for me, is something premeditated that Gil Manzano could have spared himself, but it’s something Hansi has more or less accepted,” he added.

Finally, Laporta addressed La Liga’s decision to cancel the Villarreal vs. Barcelona match in Miami, expressing disappointment with how events unfolded.

“It was proposed to us, we saw it was a good idea, and we agreed to do it. The reaction of the AFE, the players, and then Real Madrid taking the case to the CSD (Spanish Football Council) is respectable.

“Everyone does what they think they should, but I think it has caused harm to LaLiga ,” he concluded.