Barcelona Handed Huge Boost Ahead Of Clasico

Jan 12, 2022 - 01:24 pm

By SL International

Barcelona Handed Huge Boost Ahead Of Clasico

Ahead of Barcelona and Real Madrid's Supercopa de Espana semi-final on Wednesday night, Xavi Hernandez has been handed a huge boost.

The Catalan giants and Los Blancos will meet in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday to face off in the second El Clasico of the season, with Carlo Ancelotti's side heading into the clash as heavy favourites.

Xavi, however, will see his side bolstered by the returns of Ronald Araujo and Pedri, while new signing Ferran Torres has finally been registered by the Blaugrana.

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 12, 2022

"I've experienced every type of Clasico," the Barca head coach said, according to Marca.

"Being favourites and not winning as well as vice versa. I see a Barcelona that's under construction and a Madrid that's in very good shape, but that doesn't mean anything.

Nathan Patterson – has joined Everton from Rangers

Kacper Kozlowski – has joined Brighton & Hove Albion from Pogon Szczecin (will spend rest of season loan at Union SG)

Paul Bernardoni – has joined Saint-Etienne on loan from Angers

Jordan Amavi – has joined Nice on loan from Marseille

Hassane Kamara – has joined Watford from Nice

Kieran Trippier – has joined Newcastle United from Atletico Madrid

Philippe Coutinho – has joined Aston Villa on loan from Barcelona

Ainsley Maitland-Niles – has joined Roma on loan from Arenal

"It's not going to be easy to impose ourselves on the game because they're the most in-form team in Spain.

"But I'm seeing good things with the team. We have to be self-critical, yes, but I'm seeing good things. We have to continue building this project.

"Tomorrow is a good test to see where we are. Guys like Pedri, Ferran and Araujo are important to the team and I'm happy to get them back."

Real head into the match having won 21 of their 28 games in all competitions this season so far, though Barcelona are unbeaten in their last six matches and will look to make life difficult for the 13-time UEFA Champions League winners.