Barcelona defeated Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1 in the middle of the week to record their third straight victory in the UEFA Champions League group stages.
The Catalans are currently preparing for the greatest test of the year as they visit Real Madrid this coming weekend.
For several Barcelona players—many of whom will be participating in their first El Clasico—this game promises to hold special meaning after a summer of transition.
Joao Cancelo is one of them; he seemed rather optimistic about Barça’s chances in this crucial match.
Joao Cancelo on his first-ever El Clasico game
Cancelo recently discussed how thrilling it is to play for Barcelona versus Real Madrid in a media interview.
“I’m thrilled to be participating in my first Clásico. I’ve mentioned it before: I’ve always wanted to be here. After Benfica, Barça is the team I like the best, he said to Movistar+.
Cancelo has, nevertheless, had a good deal of close rivalry in the past. The Portuguese international has faced teams like Manchester United and Liverpool throughout his tenure at Manchester City.
He had even faced AC Milan while at Juventus, and he had faced FC Porto while at Benfica. But in his storied career, El Clasico will be the biggest one to date.
“Assured of our prospects”
Cancelo not only expressed his delight for the match, but he also expressed his confidence in Barcelona’s chances, even in the face of injury.
He stated, “I don’t think the injuries will affect us, and I see a great opportunity for the other players who haven’t played as much to have their chance.”
Not to be overlooked is the possibility that some of Barcelona’s best players—Frenkie de Jong, Robert Lewandowski, and Raphinha—will be back in action for the match this coming weekend.
Regarding himself, Cancelo appears to be a lock to start, and his job will be to block Vinicius Jr. on the wings.
