Barcelona Is More Confident, Lewandowski Can Fight Real Madrid At El Clasico

Barcelona fielded striker Robert Lewandowski (right) in the el clasico match against Real Madrid, but Jules Kunde (left) is still absent. (Twitter @FCBarcelona)

JAKARTA - Barcelona are increasingly confident looking at el clasico. Striker Robert Lewandowski has recovered and can be fielded when Barca play arch rivals Real Madrid in a Spanish La Liga duel at the Olimpic Lluis Companys Stadium, Saturday, October 28 evening WIB.

Lewandowski is racing against time. After missing again when Barca won 2-1 Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League in the midweek match, Lewandowski had the opportunity to appear against Madrid.

Coach Xavi Hernandez said his players were 'feeling well'. The signal for the return of the Polish national team striker became stronger after he returned to training with the team.

Apart from Lewandowski, those injured such as Frenkie de Jong, Jules Kunde, Raphinha and Pedri have already participated in training.

But not all have the opportunity to appear in el clasico. Konde, Pedri and Sergio Roberto still cannot be lowered. Unlike Lewandowski, De Jong and Raphinha are expected to be fit to face Madrid.

"I still can't confirm how the starting line up is. But what is clear is that his condition has improved," said Xavi.

"It's just not easy. In the end, only 100% fit players will be deployed," he said.

Lewandoski was out of action after the Porto match in the Champions League, last October 5. He suffered an ankle injury and had to pull over for several weeks.

A storm of injury to players hitting Barca forced Xavi to call players from the academy. No less than eight players from the junior team who are still under 20 are called into the senior team.

Xavi called on frontman Marc Guiu against Athletic Bilbao in the competition. Guiu, who will appear in Solo, Indonesia by strengthening Spain U-17 at the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup, immediately scored a goal in that match.

Guiu also appeared against Shakhtar Donetsk with his teammate from the JUNIOR team Fermin Lopez who then scored in that match. Xavi said it was possible for them to be fielded again in the El Clasico match.

"Young players give extra strength. They work hard and know the importance of this match. What does this match mean to our supporters," Xavi said again.

"This match is full of emotion. But we have to be able to control ourselves. You have to be smart even though it's not easy because your heart will beat faster and blood will flow fast," he said.

The first edition of the el clasico match this season also competed for the position of the two teams. Currently, Barca, who are ranked third, have 24 points. One point adrift of Madrid who are in second place.

Girona herself again made a surprise by top of the standings after winning 1-0 over Celta Vigo, Saturday morning WIB. Girona shifted Madrid after having 28 points.