Confidence is growing rapidly within the Barcelona dressing room ahead of this weekend’s massive El Clasico against Real Madrid, with the squad believing that the La Liga title can be secured on Sunday itself.
Barcelona head into the clash knowing that a draw at Spotify Camp Nou would be enough to officially crown them Spanish champions.
After a long and demanding campaign, the Blaugrana now see themselves one strong performance away from completing the job in front of their own supporters.
According to reports in SPORT, there is a growing feeling within the Barcelona squad that the timing of the Clasico heavily favours Hansi Flick and his players.
This is because the atmosphere around Real Madrid in recent days has not gone unnoticed within the football circles, especially following reports of tension and dressing room problems at Valdebebas.
The driving force
The situations involving Antonio Rudiger, Alvaro Carreras, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Federico Valverde have surprised several members of the Barcelona squad.
With Valverde also expected to miss the match, the belief inside the Catalan dressing room is that Madrid are arriving at the worst possible moment mentally.
Barcelona’s players are said to feel that failing to win the title under these circumstances would be a major missed opportunity, even though there would still be matches remaining afterwards.
Because of that, the intention inside the squad is to attack Real Madrid from the opening whistle and try to finish the title race immediately.
There is also confidence that Real Madrid’s morale may not be strong enough to cope with the intensity of a Clasico away from home, especially with many already believing the league race is effectively over.
Barcelona, meanwhile, are determined to use that atmosphere to their advantage.
No recklessness
At the same time, Flick’s squad are not approaching the game carelessly. The players still maintain full respect for Real Madrid and understand the danger that always exists in a Clasico.
However, there is also a growing belief among the squad that Barcelona have been the stronger side this season, and they now want to prove it on the pitch.
More than anything, the Blaugrana want to deliver a memorable night for the fans and celebrate what would become their first major title since returning to Spotify Camp Nou.
