Luis vows El Clasico will thrill
LUIS SUAREZ promises Sunday’s El Clasico will live up to its billing – despite the absence of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Nou Camp encounter is the first time the Clasico has been contested without the two biggest names in world football since 2007.
Ronaldo’s summer exit to Juventus has coincided with Real’s worst start to a season in 17 years with the pressure increasing on boss Julen Lopetegui after a matter of months in charge.
Barcelona captain Messi is out with a broken arm but team-mate Suarez is expecting another explosive showdown.
He said: “El Clasico is always El Clasico.
“The intensity is always the same – and you are always up for it.
“Everyone knows how good Ronaldo is but a team stands above the name of any one player.
“Madrid still have quality, talented players that can make all the difference.
“But we have to play our game, take our approach and not worry what players will be there or not for the opposition.”
Lopetegui has been given a stay of execution by Real, who ended their run of four defeats and a draw against Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League in midweek.
But that 2-1 win didn’t paper over the cracks with the Bernabeu crowd making their feelings clear at the final whistle.
Left-back Marcelo is a doubt for the European champions after limping off in midweek.