Real Madrid locker room irked by overly confident statements from Barcelona stars ahead of Clasico | OneFootball

Real Madrid fans had a moment to rejoice this midweek as Barcelona were knocked out of the UEFA Champions League by Inter Milan, thanks to a 7-6 aggregate win.

However, Real Madrid’s focus is solely on the upcoming Clasico on May 11. It is a must-win game for Los Blancos as they look to overturn a four-point lead heading into the final stretch of the season.

Fortunately for Real Madrid, there is no short of motivation and determination in the Real Madrid camp – motivation that has been sparked by Barcelona players themselves.

Real Madrid camp irked by overconfident Barcelona players

According to MARCA, a string of overconfident remarks from the Barça squad in recent weeks has not gone unnoticed in the Real Madrid dressing room. In fact, it’s added fuel to a rivalry that never needs much to ignite.

The comments began to pile up following Barcelona’s resurgence under new manager Hansi Flick.

Flick’s success appears to have made Barcelona overconfident (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

After a strong campaign that includes a domestic title charge, a Champions League semifinal run, and most recently a Copa del Rey final victory over Madrid, the Catalans have not held back in letting their confidence show.

Lamine Yamal, for example, struck a nerve within the Real Madrid ranks after the Copa Del Rey final, when he said how he was confident Barcelona will win no matter how many goals they concede.

Inigo Martinez joined in with his post-match assessment: “I think today football won, and that’s what matters.“

Martinez sounded confident even after Barcelona’s loss to Inter, as the veteran said, “La Liga is ours and the next game will be ours too, I have no doubt… we’re going after Madrid without any problem.”

All of these statements by Barcelona players has struck a nerve within the Real Madrid camp, who will be determined to seek retribution as they lock horns with the Catalans on May 11.