Real Madrid will not have fond memories of their last El Clasico against Barcelona, but one of their young players is looking forward to the reverse fixture at the Nou Camp.
Real Madrid were given a rude awakening by Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu back in November, when the Catalans humiliated Los Blancos in front of their home fans. Luis Suarez scored a brace, while Andres Iniesta and Neymar picked up a goal each as Barcelona recorded a 4-0 victory against Rafa Benitez’s men.
La Liga fans are now gearing up for the reverse fixture on Sunday and Spanish midfielder Isco has made it clear that Real Madrid need to avenge their defeat. Ahead of Sunday’s big clash, the 23-year-old stated that he is looking forward to El Clasico.
“We have to reclaim ourselves on Saturday against Barcelona after the bad image we gave ourselves at the Bernabeu,” Isco told Spanish media outlet Cadena Cope.
“I am ready for the Clasico. I haven’t played much and I am not tired. To win at the Camp Nou would be a very large morale injection.”
Revenge won’t taste as sweet without La Liga title repercussions
While a victory for Real Madrid would be worth a lot to the club in terms of morale and bragging rights, the overall situation in La Liga means that it will have little effect in terms of the title race. Barcelona have surged clear of all their rivals and are now sitting at the top of the table with 76 points, nine ahead of second-placed Atletico Madrid and ten clear of Real.
There are just eight games to go in the current season and it will be very difficult for the Madrid teams to overhaul such a huge points difference. This season has proven to be a failure for Real Madrid, as they once again allowed Barca to charge their way to the Spanish title.
A victory over them at Camp Nou would no doubt be therapeutic, but at the end of the season, Real Madrid will have to assess what they need to do to close the gap on the Spanish and European champions.
