Real Madrid‘s Sergio Ramos has insisted that he and his teammates are mentally prepared for their Clasico meeting with Barcelona on Saturday.
Los Merengues were humbled by their arch rivals earlier in the campaign, losing 4-0 at home following goals from Luis Suarez (two), Andres Iniesta and Neymar.
Rafael Benitez was to leave the club soon afterwards, as Real lost ground on the leaders and slumped from the title race.
Los Blancos are 10 points off the pace heading into Saturday’s showdown at the Nou Camp, but despite the perceived gulf in quality between the sides, Barca’s domestic performance and the memory of the recent humiliation, Ramos has insisted he and his teammates are mentally prepared for the match.
“In football, anything can happen,” he began, speaking to Real Madrid TV [as per the club’s official YouTube channel]. “Mentally, the team are in a good place for this final stretch of the season.
“The team is fine. Much is spoken about this match, because we know the great importance and impact of playing in the Clasico, especially considering what we’ve been through this season.”
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While an unlikely victory over their fierce enemies in Catalonia on Saturday would cut the gap between the two domestic giants to just seven points, Real would remain firm outsiders for the title considering Barca’s rampant recent form.
Indeed, regardless of the result on Saturday, Barca will be overwhelming favourites to lift their 24th La Liga crown.