Former Barcelona player refuses to call the team favourites for Supercup final: ‘Real Madrid don’t have to play well to win’

Barcelona’s game against Real Madrid later today has several fans and pundits claiming the Catalans to be the favourites, especially given their recent run of results and dominant semifinal performance.

Los Blancos, however, won the game the last time the two sides faced off and simply cannot be written off.

In fact, history is testament that prior form is seldom an indicator of how El Clasicos play out, and it is best to assume that the game starts with both teams having equal chances of winning.

Former player speaks

Speaking to the media ahead of the game, former Barcelona player Abelardo Fernandez was asked if he saw the upcoming contest as an uneven one skewed towards Barcelona, to which he said,

“Not at all. Indeed, Barcelona qualified comfortably and Madrid suffered much more, but every game is different.”

“Atletico deserved more in the semifinal for the game and chances created, but the finishing is decisive,” he added on Real Madrid’s semifinal.

Elaborating on how Real Madrid never need to dominate games to win, the former player added,

“Madrid’s advantage is that they don’t need to play well to win the games because of the great individuals they have. That made the difference. The final will be similar,” he added.

When asked about the school of thought that Barcelona are overwhelming favourites, the former player insisted it would be closer than expected.

“I don’t think it’s that bad. It is clear that Barcelona is better, but I have often seen favourites lose. I expect an equal, open, and goal-scoring match.”

“I want Barça to win and I see it one point ahead, but I don’t think they are favorites as many people are saying,” he added.

Fernandez was then asked whether the team could replicate the 5-2 win of last season, to which he bluntly said,

“No, because Madrid won the last Clasico. Previous records are not worth it here. I don’t predict a Barça rout and I think Madrid can perfectly win the title.”

He then elaborated that even Real Madrid’s defensive crisis does not mean Barcelona should count them out.

“Obviously it is a problem, but the Madrid squad is so deep and of such quality, that those notable absences can be made up for with ease.”

“Tchouameni himself saved a goal-bound ball in the final part of the clash against Atleti. They are not having luck with injuries, but Xabi will know how to structure the eleven to face his great rival,” he added.

The former player was then asked if Barcelona’s combination of Pedri and Raphinha would be key, and a point of focus for Real Madrid to destabilise the team.

“Right now they are the two most decisive players of Barcelona. Since they have come together, the team plays more fluidly and generates more chances.”

“In my opinion, Pedri is the best player on the team and, without a doubt, the type of player that Madrid needs [to halt],” he added.

“Others like Raphinha and Lamine may attract more attention, but for me, he is the best of Barça. Covering him [Pedri] is vital for the opponents because he is the one who feeds those above,” he concluded on that topic.

Fernandez then spoke on which players Barcelona should remain alert to on the night, to which he said,

“To Rodrygo, who is in form, as well as Vinicius, despite his bad scoring streak, and to Gonzalo, who I think is a very interesting striker.”

He then admitted that whether or not Kylian Mbappe starts will play a massive role in deciding the result.

“A lot. Gonzalo puts pressure at the defensive level that the Frenchman does not offer and finishes better the lateral centers, but Mbappé is a goal-making machine and is fundamental for his team if he is well.”

“Surely the Barça players prefer that he doesn’t play,” he added.

Finally, the former player was asked if Real Madrid can exploit Barcelona’s high defensive line, to which he responded positively.

“Of course. With the verticality and speed that the players at the top have, they can do a lot of damage.”

“[They can exploit it] If those behind know how to get out of the high press with ease and the midfielders deliver balls to the forwards,” he added.

“Behind the Barcelona defenders there will be a lot of space and if Madrid knows how to take advantage of it, it can be one of the keys,” he concluded.

Source: Diario AS