“We believe we are the best team in the world, we are proving it” - Barcelona ace Lamine Yamal makes confident claim before El Clasico vs Real Madrid
Barcelona star Lamine Yamal is confident ahead of the El Clasico against Real Madrid on Saturday, October 26. The two arch-rivals will face off for the first time this season at the Santiago Bernabeu in LaLiga.
Barca beat Bayern Munich 4-1 at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in the UEFA Champions League league stage on Wednesday, October 23. Yamal provided an excellent assist in the game for Raphinha, who scored a hat-trick. After the match, the 17-year-old was asked about their upcoming clash against Real Madrid. He said (via Fabrizio Romano):
“We believe we are the best team in the world, we are proving it. We will go with all our strength, and may the best team win."
Barcelona have been exceptional under Hansi Flick this season, having won 12 and lost one of their 13 games across competitions. Yamal has again been brilliant for the side, scoring five goals and providing seven assists in 13 games.
He also helped his side put in a clinical display against Bayern Munich on Wednesday. Harry Kane equalised in the 18th minute for the Bavarians after Raphinha had given the hosts the lead in the first minute. Robert Lewandowski made it 2-1 in the 36th minute before Raphinha scored two more in the 45th and 56th minutes to complete his hat-trick.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, beat Borussia Dortmund 5-2 at the Santiago Bernabeu in their Champions League clash on Tuesday. Vinicius Jr. scored a hat-trick while Antonio Rudiger and Lucas Vazquez scored a goal each.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick on El Clasico against Real Madrid
Hansi Flick will experience his first El Clasico as a manager when his Barcelona side face Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid on Saturday. He's had an excellent start to the 2024-25 campaign and an El Clasico win would be a major boost. Barca, notably, lost all three of their clashes against Los Blancos across competitions last season.
After the Blaugrana's win over Bayern Munich, Hansi Flick was asked if he has now turned his attention towards the big match. He said (via Barca Universal):
“I’m not thinking about what could happen at the Bernabéu, I’ll think about it from tomorrow onwards.”
“We have one day less than Madrid to prepare for the Clasico but all the players want to play this match. We will prepare well for this match."
The match also has a big implication on the LaLiga table as Barcelona currently sit atop the standings, three points above Real Madrid.