Fermin confident of Barcelona's Clasico chances despite PSG defeat

Fermin Lopez believes Barcelona are favourites for Sunday's Clasico against Real Madrid despite their recent Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. 

Hansi Flick's side fell to a 4-2 defeat against the reigning European champions on Tuesday, 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 the Clasico, and their recent record against Madrid gives him reason for optimism. 

Under Flick, Barcelona have won six of their seven meetings with Madrid across all competitions (D1), having managed just four victories in their previous 15 Clasicos before the German's arrival (D1 L10). 

Barca also hold a six-point lead over Madrid at the top of LaLiga, having become just the second side to win their opening nine league matches of a season, after Madrid in 1968-69. No side has ever won their 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.”