Barcelona midfielder Ilkay Gundogan remains confident that his team can bounce back from their UEFA Champions League disappointment to claim victory against Real Madrid in Sunday’s El Clasico. The German international has been pivotal for the Catalans this season, contributing 16 goal involvements while often operating in a deep midfield role. He also scored the opener in the reverse fixture, although Barcelona ultimately lost to Real Madrid courtesy of a Jude Bellingham brace in October.
Despite the midweek setback in Europe, Gundogan insists the squad’s focus is firmly on the upcoming clash at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“Football, you know, is funny. Two days ago we had a heavy defeat and it was a frustrating and disappointing night. But now, we have a big, big game coming up, one of the biggest in European football, and we’re really looking forward to it,” Gundogan told Barca TV.
Reflecting on his first-ever Clasico goal, Gundogan highlighted the importance of converting chances and staying defensively disciplined if Barcelona are to secure all three points and strengthen their La Liga title defence.
“You can feel that the Clasico is very special. I already felt it a few months ago in the reverse fixture and the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia. You can sense a different atmosphere and tension in this game. Scoring my first goal for Barca in that match was a privilege, but it’s disappointing that we didn’t get the three points. To win against Madrid, you have to take your chances and minimize theirs because they have quality,” he added.
Barcelona will be aiming for their first Clasico victory in three meetings when they travel to Madrid, though Real’s confidence is high after progressing in the Champions League against Manchester City. As the season nears its conclusion, a win at the Santiago Bernabeu will be a tough but vital challenge for the Catalans.
