Fermin confident of Barcelona's Clasico chances

Fermin Lopez believes Barcelona is the favourite for Monday's (AEDT) Clasico against Real Madrid despite its recent UEFA Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

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Hansi Flick's side fell to a 4-2 defeat against the reigning European champion in midweek, with Xavi Espart and Lamine Yamal scoring in the second half before Luis Enrique's side stole the show late on.

But Fermin is confident that the setback will not affect Barcelona heading into El Clasico, and its recent record against Madrid gives him reason for optimism.

Under Flick, Barcelona has won six of its seven meetings with Madrid across all competitions, drawing the other one, having managed just four victories in its previous 15 before the German's arrival, a run that included 10 defeats.

Barca also holds a six-point lead over Madrid at the top of LaLiga, having become just the second side to win its opening nine league matches of a season, after Madrid in 1968-1969.

No side has won its first 10 matches in a LaLiga campaign.

"It's never good to lose any match, especially in the Champions League, but ultimately it's just one game and three points," Fermin said.

"Our focus is now completely on El Clasico. It's an extremely important match, and we're very eager to get back to winning ways.

"I don’t think we played badly against Paris. They’re also a great team and made things difficult for us, but I don’t think we were far from winning.

"We need to know how to control Real Madrid, but I think if we execute our style properly, we’ll have a great chance of winning.

"We have to play our usual way and maintain our good rhythm, while paying attention to the small details because they have players with enormous individual quality.

"I feel like time is passing very slowly because it’s a match I’ve always loved playing.

"Since I was a child, I dreamed of playing in El Clasico. This will be my second time playing it at Camp Nou, so I’m very excited and can’t wait.

"I’ve scored at the Bernabeu before, but we didn’t win, and that still leaves a bitter taste. I hope I can score at Camp Nou on Sunday and that we win. That’s what matters most to me."