As Real Madrid prepares to face Barcelona, their focus is clear: they aim to score five goals against their rival. The match holds significant implications, especially following their recent 2-6 defeat in the Champions League quarterfinal first leg and a 0-3 loss in the league. These setbacks have severely impacted their title aspirations.
Optimistic Outlook from Coach Pau Quesada
Pau Quesada, the head coach, emphasized a “short and realistic” goal of simply winning the upcoming match. He acknowledged the challenge posed by Barcelona but maintained that they want to shake off the disappointments of previous encounters.
Focus on Improvement
“We recognize our difficult position, but we also want to win this game,” Quesada stated. He believes that the team has the knowledge and mentality necessary for a strong performance. Player Misa Rodríguez echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need for improvement in their game to create more offensive opportunities.
Acknowledging Past Struggles
Despite the optimism, Quesada is realistic about their history against Barcelona. In five meetings, they have yet to secure a victory. He pointed out the importance of correcting past mistakes to avoid suffering from Barcelona’s attacks and creating chances when they have possession.
- Previous encounters: 0 wins, 5 losses against Barcelona.
- Goals to achieve: Score five goals in the upcoming match.
Looking Ahead
Quesada invited his players to see this game positively, framing it as an opportunity rather than a setback. He acknowledged that the match will take place at Spotify Camp Nou, a venue where Real Madrid has faced challenges in the past.
Preparing for a Milestone
Another storyline to follow is the significance of the match for Barcelona’s Alexia, who will be celebrating her 500th appearance for the club. Misa expressed her respect for Alexia but also an eagerness to give her a challenging day on the pitch.
Final Thoughts
The focus for Real Madrid is on perfecting their strategy for the entire 90 minutes. Quesada concluded that while they have substantial work ahead at their training facility, their ultimate goal is to emerge victorious in this critical matchup against Barcelona.
