Optimism is growing by the hour at Real Madrid. The fight for LaLiga looked all but lost, but Barcelona’s elimination by Inter Milan has given the Whites’ players hope. It’s not just the elimination itself, it’s how it happened, with the final in their hands in injury time. It was a blow to morale that also puts a lot of pressure on the Blaugranas ahead of Sunday’s match, “we have them at their worst.”
Optimism at Real Madrid
Real Madrid is accustomed to great feats and now wants to achieve another one: coming back from a four-point deficit against Barcelona. Optimism grew after the Copa del Rey final, where they showed that they were close to beating their eternal rival. They believe they have found a way to hurt Flick’s team and believe they can achieve victory in next Sunday’s match.
The elimination against Inter is a bonus, but not just because of the elimination itself. Barcelona were close to reaching the final in injury time, it seemed they had it in the bag, but it slipped away at the last gasp. Extra time took its toll and the elimination was a blow to morale, but above all, it added pressure. A few hours ago, Barcelona was aiming for a treble, but now the pressure is mounting, and it is imperative for them to win the league title.
A Clásico at the best possible time for Real Madrid
This Sunday’s Clásico could not have come at a better time for Real Madrid and at a worse time for Barcelona. The Blaugranas have to pick themselves up from a heavy blow, and their eternal rival is an added pressure. A home win would seal the league title, and a draw would almost certainly do the same. But if Real Madrid manages to win, the gap would be reduced to one point and Barcelona would have to win everything (provided the Whites do too), and their schedule is not easy, with Espanyol, Villarreal, and Athletic Club still to come.
The Real Madrid squad is not giving up
The Real Madrid squad knows that this match could not have come at a better time for their interests. They are aware that their rivals are still in very good form and have beaten them in all three meetings this season, but this is another story, another match and another moment, with a lot at stake. Real Madrid has little to lose, the season is considered lost, and if something good comes at the end, it will be welcome.
But the message coming out of the dressing room is that “we’ve got them at their worst,” and the arguments are clear. They are under pressure to win LaLiga after the season they’ve had and with talk of the treble in recent months. Now they face a scenario that could leave them with only the Copa del Rey, which would be a huge blow to morale.
At Real Madrid, they are very aware of the season they have had, that Barcelona has been superior, and that winning next Sunday will be very difficult. But they know that this match could not have come at a better time for them given the circumstances, and they want to hold on to this chance at all costs. It is the best way to salvage a season that has been very disappointing, and they know they are capable of winning at the home of their eternal rival. One of the most important Clásicos in recent years awaits us, with the league title at stake.