FC Barcelona are set to play one of the most important games of this season this Sunday, when they will host Real Madrid at the Spotify Camp Nou for the first El Clasico of this season. Keeping in view the history of the rivalry between these clubs, players from both the teams are gunning to take on one another in this weekend’s game.
[Several Blaugrana players have already expressed this sentiment in recent days](https://barcanewsnetwork.com/barcelona-star-pedri-reveals-his-usual-routine-ahead-of-real-madrid-clash/). Among these players is also the Spanish midfielder Fermin Lopez, who, as [Mundo Deportivo](https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20261023/1004242373/fermin-cansa-poco-discurso-madrid.html) has reported, talked to Teledeporte two days before the match against the Merengues.
Before commenting on the game, the Spaniard commented on one of the main issues surrounding Real Madrid in recent days, their complaints about refereeing:
**“It’s getting a little tiresome, because we’re showing what we’re capable of on the pitch. It’s not fair to bring up that narrative when things are going well for us, but I don’t like getting involved in that controversy, and neither does anyone else in the squad.”**
**“We don’t get involved in those controversies. We’re winning, doing things well, playing well and conveying the values that Barça stands for. We have to keep following our own path, and if they want to pursue that narrative, it must be working for them. If we’re playing well, that controversy suits them, but we don’t get involved in it.”**
Despite his team’s better form ahead of this game, Fermin admitted there are no favorites in El Clasico:
**“There are no favourites; either team can win. We’re two great teams, and we have to focus on playing our game, controlling our emotions and managing the little details.”**
The Barcelona midfielder assured that his team will put in a convincing display:
**“We’ll put in a great performance, and hopefully we’ll win.”**
When asked to name a player from Real Madrid he would prefer not to face in this El Clasico, the Spaniard named two:
**“Courtois makes a huge difference and makes a lot of saves, while Mbappé is a game-changer, so if I could, I’d leave both of them out. But Madrid have some very good players, and as a team, we have to keep them all under control.”**
The midfielder also recognized he will have to continue performing at a good level to keep his starting spot:
**“Hansi gives me confidence and an important role, and I have to keep going like this, playing and getting minutes.”**
Fermin was clear who deserves to win the Ballon d’Or this year:
**“Lamine Yamal. Why? Because he’s the best.”**
Fermin Lopez is one of those players whose performance always improves whenever he is playing against Real Madrid. Hopefully, this will also be the case this Sunday, and he will help Barcelona get a win against their bitter rivals to further demonstrate their dominance in Spanish football.