According to Spanish media outlet AS, former Barcelona goalkeeper Pena discussed the Clasico and the derby atmosphere in Greece and Turkey, stating that Barcelona is in excellent form.
Few players understand the pressure and fervent atmosphere on the pitch like Pena. The former Barcelona goalkeeper, now playing for Panathinaikos, has played in three Clasico matches in Spain. He recently experienced a heated derby between Greek rivals at Olympiakos Piraeus' home ground and witnessed the intense Fenerbahçe vs. Galatasaray clash from the bench in Turkey.
Pena wore the Barcelona colors for 14 years, making 45 appearances for the first team. He will now watch the Clasico on TV for the first time in Greece, with his new team currently leading the league.
Q: How is your life in Athens?
Pena said: "It's going very well right now. The city's size, climate, food, people, and quality of life all remind me of a city like Barcelona. The language is much more complex; for now, I manage with English. This experience has been very positive, and we are doing well on the competitive front."
Q: Outside the stadium, what is your relationship with your own fans and opposing fans?
Pena said: "People here are very passionate, everything is extreme. When things go well, everything is wonderful; if something goes wrong, tension immediately arises. I don't go out much, I live in a residential area, and my life is very family-oriented because I have a young son and another child on the way in January. Hostility is everywhere, but I haven't encountered any problems on the street; everyone has been very respectful of me."
Q: What was the atmosphere like when playing an away derby against rivals at Olympiakos Piraeus?
Pena said: "It was very similar to what I experienced in Turkey. Days before the match, you could feel that it wasn't an ordinary game. The atmosphere was incredibly intense, even with the fans targeting us. We lost 1-0 due to a long-range free-kick and a second ball, but that was more of an accident because we weren't at our best. So far, apart from that game, we've won all our matches. Also, something very strange happened."
Q: What happened?
Pena said: "Before the game, I looked at the starting lineup and was very surprised when I saw who the referee was: Hernández Hernández. I asked about it, and they told me that in such important and tense matches, UEFA referees officiate to avoid suspicion or tension. They've been doing this for a while to prevent problems."
Q: Do you think this measure would be suitable for matches like those at Camp Nou if applied in Spain? Pena said: "Before experiencing it myself, I hadn't thought about it, but now I think it's feasible. These referees are outside the circles of both teams, and I think it's a good solution. Having foreign referees in the Clasico would be good because they are used to officiating high-level European matches and can avoid suspicion. Furthermore, for fans, it could also clarify the referee's image before such an important game, reducing any doubts or thoughts people might have about the referee."
Q: As an opposing goalkeeper, what is the impact of being in a high-pressure environment filled with fireworks, like hell, with the entire stadium against you?
Pena said: "When the game starts, you already know what you're facing and what you'll encounter. You try to prepare more thoroughly to avoid losing concentration in such a stifling environment. They are trying to ban fireworks because games are interrupted too frequently because of them, and everyone has agreed to work together on this. It's still in progress, but there's also the issue of laser pointers."
Q: Did you encounter that at the Olympiakos Piraeus stadium?
Pena said: "Yes. For over 70 minutes out of 90, lasers were constantly shone on me, aimed from the opposite goal to try and distract me. I had to try to detach myself because it's difficult to stop the game and find out who's doing it. I can only adapt because these things are out of my control."
Q: Can the passion and hostility of the Athens derby be compared to the Clasico?
Pena said: "In terms of media attention and global impact, obviously not, but it can be compared to Real Betis against Sevilla. Both teams are in the same city, which makes the emotions of the game even stronger, and the intensity starts building up very early. Even when you're in the hotel, opposing fans will set off firecrackers. The pressure and atmosphere I felt at Karaiskakis Stadium are not seen in the Clasico. It's a culture you have to adapt to."
Q: Does this hostility extend to basketball as well?
Pena said: "Absolutely. They make it personal. You're either on my side or the other side. You can see it in daily life and on the streets. You see graffiti targeting opponents when driving, and fans have strong emotions about it."
Q: You were also present, albeit on the bench, for Galatasaray against Fenerbahçe. If you were to rank the intensity compared to the Clasico and the Greek derby, how would you order them?
Pena said: "If ranked by stadium atmosphere and passion, it would be Turkey, Greece, Spain. This refers to the highest-level rival matches like Barcelona against Real Madrid, and it's my personal experience. The phrase 'Turkish hell' is absolutely true."
Q: You played in three Clasicos. The first was the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia, which Barcelona lost 1-4, with Vinicius scoring three goals.
Pena said: "They scored two quick goals, putting us in a very passive position. That game was hard to handle, but we had to accept it. The result was harsh. We knew players like Vinicius or Bellingham could break through behind us, and that day we experienced the bitter side of such an intense confrontation."
Q: If Vinicius isn't at Camp Nou, will the atmosphere in the stands and on the pitch cool down slightly?
Pena said: "I don't think so. Regardless of who plays, the Clasico is always the same. It won't have an impact."
Q: The second Clasico was a 4-0 victory at the Bernabeu, and you performed very well.
Pena said: "The momentum then was completely different from the previous game. We were in a very positive rhythm, leading LaLiga, and had convincingly beaten Bayern Munich 4-1 in the Champions League, so we came to the Bernabeu with a different mentality. We played a fantastic game and wiped away the regret of the loss in Saudi Arabia."
Q: Which victory felt better, that big win or the 5-2 Super Cup match later?
Pena said: "Perhaps the Super Cup, because a final is a do-or-die match, and there's a trophy to fight for. A victory that makes you champions is more worth celebrating."
Q: Many people expect another big Barcelona win.
Pena said: "These are probably two of the best squads in the world, but both are at different stages right now. Real Madrid has players like Mbappe and Bellingham who can change a game. However, despite losing in Paris, Barcelona has shown amazing consistency, winning by large margins every game. They can create many chances, which is a guarantee. Everything is going smoothly for the team right now, they are in sweet form. I hope Barcelona wins."
Q: Will this be a sporting hell for Real Madrid?
Pena said: "Of course. Barcelona, with their current momentum and playing at Camp Nou, will press Real Madrid from the start. The atmosphere will be on Barcelona's side, and they also know Real Madrid isn't at their best."
Q: Where do you rank Barcelona in Europe right now?
Pena said: "I can't watch all the strong teams play, but Barcelona is definitely in the top two or three, alongside Paris Saint-Germain. Their individual talent is amazing, and they create many opportunities. Even if they concede first or are two goals down, they know they can turn the game around because they feel stronger, and their results support that. You can see and feel that. They know they might win big when they play. Bad patches always come, but right now they are clearly stronger than other teams and are taking advantage of that. If they can crush you, they will."
Q: You witnessed Yamal enter the first team. What are your first memories of him?
Pena said: "When he came to the first team at 15, there were many young players in the squad, which was different from the environment I encountered when I was promoted to the first team. He realized this and seized the opportunity. From the first moment, he had incredible boldness. He immediately wanted to nutmeg experienced players like Jordi Alba or Roberto. He seemed like the veteran, and everyone else was the newcomer. He's always had that composure."
Q: Did he often challenge the goalkeepers?
Pena said: "He would drive us crazy because he's unique. In tight spaces and decision-making, it was clear from the start that he was above most. Furthermore, he's always had personality; at 17, he's already carried the team in many games. This is a quality not seen for many years, somewhat extraordinary."
Q: In terms of style, which Real Madrid player do you think would best fit Barcelona?
Pena said: "Definitely Güler and Bernardo Silva."
Q: And the other way around?
Pena said: "If Real Madrid had Yamal, they would 100% develop his attributes. But given Real Madrid's philosophy of vertical attacking, exploiting space, and direct play, Raphinha would be a very good fit."
Q: You made 45 appearances for Barcelona. What feelings did leaving the club leave you with?
Pena said: "The decision to leave wasn't easy because I came here as a child and always considered the club home. It was tough on a personal and family level, but I was eager to try a new adventure abroad and experience another culture. I needed to play, to feel important through continuous appearances. This was a step I wanted to take. The change was sudden, but the decision was correct."
Q: Who are your top three goalkeepers in the world?
Pena said: "Based on my personal preference, first is Joan García, then Safonov of Paris Saint-Germain, and David Raya."
Q: You didn't include Courtois?
Pena said: "Courtois' style is different from mine, and our skill sets are different. He's very tall, yet has such agility; that's talent. But according to my football philosophy and what I value most, I still choose the three I mentioned."