“The Bernabéu is the brightest stage for Lamine Yamal to shine on”

Enric Masip is a FC Barcelona’s Sports Commission member and also club president Joan Laporta’s advisor. The 56-year-old was participating in a publicity event as part of the build-up to Sunday’s El Clásico as Real Madrid face Barça at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu with the former professional handball player optimistic of Barça’s chances.

“El Clásico is El Clásico regardless of each team’s form, and sometimes one can be better than the other, I think it’s similar: neither team is in perfect form, but it’s certainly El Clásico and the excitement will certainly be running high. It will be a magnificent spectacle, and I hope it goes the way it should, all about enjoying and trying to win,” he said.

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick will have important absences, such as Dani Olmo, Joan García, and Lewandowski. Masip acknowledges that they could affect the match, but doesn’t believe they can be used as an excuse for a hypothetical bad result. “We have to trust those who are there. We’re going to play against one of the best in the world in a difficult stadium, but we also like challenges and we’re going to fight for them.”

Lamine Yamal won’t miss Sunday’s El Clásico, although he might still be at 100 percent of his best. Masip is confident that Barcelona’s No. 10 will thrive in a big match, as he always does. "If Lamine has shown anything, it’s that he likes challenges, tough matches, and the best stages are where he shows off his magic, but he has a great team in front of him and it will be difficult. I’m not worried; I know he’s a very competitive player. I have no doubt he’ll be at his best, despite the fact that he’s just overcoming some discomfort, had to stop, and won’t be able to have his best rhythm."

Both Madrid and Barça recorded wins in their respective UEFA Champions League games with the Catalan side swatting Olympiakos with a 6-1 win on Tuesday and Madrid edging past Juventus thanks to a Jude Bellingham second half goal.