Real Madrid confident ahead of El Clasico
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Coach Manuel Pellegrini believes his in-form Real Madrid side are ready to strike a La Liga title blow with victory in the weekend's 'Clasico' fixture.
Real leapfrogged Barcelona and returned to the top of the table following a comfortable 2-0 victory over Racing Santander on Sunday evening.
They next play host to Barca in a mouth-watering, likely title decider at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday evening.
"It's important to win and we did," explained Pellegrini. "We had left our strength and a clean sheet.
"We were not brilliant on the offensive, but we had more chances. Overall I am satisfied with the strength of the team.
"Now we must look to the match versus Barcelona. Both sides arrive at the match at the right time, having recorded many victories.
"We need to recover the points we lost at the Camp Nou (earlier in the season) and I am sure we can win."
Meanwhile, Real have been warned that they will face stiff competition to sign Brazil wing-back Maicon from Internazionale this summer.
The 28-year-old continues to be linked with a move away from the San Siro at the end of the season, with Real thought to be favourites for the South American’s signature.
However, Maicon’s agent, Antonio Caliendo told Calciomercato.it: “There are voices in the market, but it's no mystery that he is liked and we are not surprised.
“There are a number of teams interested in Maicon, but now is not the time to disturb the player because Inter are fighting on three fronts.
“In the past Maicon has always shown he doesn't bow to pressure from market speculation.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments