Jordi Alba, former Barcelona player
Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images
With El Clasico just around the corner, big footballing personalities have started giving their predictions for the first showdown of the season.
While Gerard Pique expects an easy win for Barcelona, former Real Madrid star Guti believes Jose Mourinho’s men could come out on top. Now, Jordi Alba has chimed in with his own verdict.
The former Barcelona left-back, who enjoyed plenty of fierce duels with Real Madrid during his career, backed his old club to prevail while weighing in on the significance of Vinicius Jr’s suspension.
Vinicius Jr., Real Madrid player
Will Vinicius’ absence come back to haunt Real Madrid? (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images)
Speaking to Diario AS, Alba acknowledged that the suspended Brazilian represents a major loss for Real Madrid, having faced him on numerous occasions himself.
“He’s an important player for them. He’ll miss the game, and that’s a significant loss. Real Madrid has a very deep squad to replace him, and whoever comes in will surely do very well,” he said.
The Barcelona legend went on to detail just how dangerous an opponent Vinicius always proved to be.
“He’s a very dangerous player in one-on-one situations. Very fast. He always created a lot of danger. In that sense, you didn’t want him facing Barcelona too often because he always had great games. He’ll be a significant loss for them,” he added.
Alba was also candid in admitting the forward’s absence tilts the contest further in Barcelona’s favour.
“Obviously. Some people say it’s good for the spectator to see everyone on the field, but I always say that anything less than top-quality players on the opposing team makes it easier to win,” he said.
The former defender did not hesitate in predicting an easy win for his former club, citing the form the team has shown this season.
Jordi Alba, former Barcelona player
Alba is confident Barcelona can win on Sunday. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
“I see the team doing well from afar. I’m certain they can play a good match and win. They’re having a great season so far, and I hope they can continue that way and take all three points,” he said.
Pressed on what he thinks will happen on Sunday, Alba said he expects Barça to dominate the proceedings.
“A Clasico is different from any other. It doesn’t matter how the teams are playing. I’m certain Barcelona is playing very well, and I have complete faith that they will continue to do so and win the match. I’ll be happy if Barcelona wins,” he added.
Asked which Real Madrid player worried him most, the Barcelona icon insisted his old side have nothing to fear.
“Watching Barcelona gives me a lot of peace of mind. They have some very talented players up front. But seeing how Barça is playing, I’m honestly calm. If they play as they always do, I have no doubt that Barcelona will win the game,” he said.
Finally, Alba was also asked about refereeing controversies in La Liga heading into this Clasico, to which the defender chose not to give an answer.
“The truth is I’ve been very disconnected from that issue in Miami. I wouldn’t know what to tell you. There are always opinions, people see it differently. I respect all opinions. Referees do their job as best they can. We shouldn’t doubt them,” he concluded.