Real Madrid secured a professional 2-0 victory over Espanyol, a side fighting for permanence in La Liga, but the triumph was merely a stepping stone. For the capital club, the true objective looms large on March 10th: the Clásico against Barcelona.
While Barcelona‘s march towards the La Liga title is widely described as “inevitable,” Real Madrid is fiercely determined to prevent their arch-rivals from clinching the trophy directly against them.
As Santiago Siguero reported for Marca, “The next item on the white’s agenda is to win the Clásico on the 10th in Barcelona, which would prevent the Catalans from celebrating the title against them.”
Pride at stake in Barcelona
The upcoming Clásico, to be played in Barcelona, carries immense weight beyond just three points. It’s a matter of pride and a chance for Real Madrid to make a statement.
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The first-round Clásico saw Real Madrid emerge victorious, a result that initially gave them a seven-point lead over a Barcelona side then coached by Hansi Flick. However, the league narrative has since shifted dramatically.
Real Madrid‘s season has been a challenging one, described as “depressing,” and has already led to one coach being removed, with speculation surrounding another.
A victory in Barcelona would serve as a vindication of the squad’s quality against their eternal rival, offering a much-needed morale boost and a demonstration of their capabilities.
Mbappé’s Clásico ambition
Adding to the drama, Kylian Mbappé, currently sidelined with an injury, has reportedly set his sights on returning for the crucial encounter. According to Marca, “Mbappé has set a goal to be in Barcelona next Sunday, in a match that may not serve much for strictly accounting purposes, but which the Madrid dressing room wants to offer its fans as an act of redress.”
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The club’s future project is seen as being built around stars like Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham, both highlighted as “great stars and pillars.” Vinicius, whose status is “unquestionable” under coach Arbeloa, will be key, despite a past “implosion” when he was substituted by coach Xabi. Their performances, alongside Mbappé’s potential return, will be crucial as Real Madrid aims to salvage pride and deny Barcelona the ultimate celebration on their home turf.
Sources: www.marca.com
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