Barca zeal to seal Clasico Real deal?

BARCELONA remain the best team in the world on their day despite unconvincing displays this season, coach Luis Enrique said yesterday ahead of their clash with La Liga leaders and arch-rivals Real Madrid.

Barcelona trail Zinedine Zidane’s unbeaten side by six points going into today’s Clasico (5.15pm SA time kickoff) at the Nou Camp, having failed to beat the likes of Malaga and Real Sociedad and losing to Celta Vigo and Alaves in their worst start to a season since 2004/05.

The champions have produced blistering displays this season, however, beating Real Betis 6-2 on the opening day and hammering Celtic 7-0 and Manchester City 4-0 in the Champions League.

“I am optimistic when I see my team train and compete every day. There are many great teams around but no one is better than us,” Luis Enrique told a news conference.

The coach was echoing the words of Barca’s Turkey international Arda Turan.

“Barca are the best team around and when we play as we know how, we are unstoppable,” he told the club website.

Luis Enrique also predicted that Real would come to the Nou Camp with a defensive approach.

“They’ll have no problem with giving the ball to us and that suits us as we need it. They’ll try and take advantage of set pieces, quick transitions and try to be effective in the final third. We want to have more control, create and take advantage of space and create chances,” the coach said.

Midfield maestro and captain Andres Iniesta returns to the side after six weeks out with a knee injury, meaning Barca could have their firstchoice starting XI if fullback Jordi Alba recovers from a knock sustained against Real Sociedad.

“Iniesta is our captain and the reference point for our style but I don’t think our style will change because of one player, although it’s great news to have our captain back,” Luis Enrique said. “We have the chance to put ourselves at a more comfortable distance from Real Madrid, but it will not determine the outcome of the title.”

Meanwhile, Real are not fooled by Barcelona’s stuttering form and expect a gruelling Clasico today but, unlike their previous visit to the Nou Camp, they will play without any fear, coach Zinedine Zidane yesterday.

Real lead the champions by six points going into the crunch game and are unbeaten in all competitions, in contrast to Barca, who have posted their worst points total after 13 games since the 2004-05 season.

The Catalans have drawn three of their last four games and were held to a 1-1 draw by Real Sociedad in their last league match, which coach Luis Enrique called the worst display since he took charge of the team in 2014.

“I’m not focusing on how they played in their last game, it will be a completely different performance. We’re playing against the champions and champions always turn up in the big games, but we also have a team of champions,” Zidane said.

“This Barcelona side can cause us harm, I’m convinced about that. Every game is a new story, we know how we can beat them, but they don’t have any weak points. It’s a face-off between two great teams.”

Zidane is without record signing Gareth Bale and key midfielder Toni Kroos through injury, but Brazilian midfield anchor Casemiro is set to make his first start in over two months since breaking his leg. – Reuters