Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged that La Liga leaders Barcelona are in good shape domestically, albeit not in Europe.
“We’re looking at a team that’s won all their games in La Liga after drawing their first one, they have very good form in the league,” said Ancelotti.
“Since the start of the competition they have done every well. They’ve had trouble in the Champions League, which usually happens in that competition, but in La Liga they have been spectacular.”
On the Clasico’s relevance, he said: “It won’t be a life or death game but it will be special because of the emotional aspect and the pressure.”
The coach admitted that the 4-0 defeat last year was in part due to him using Luka Modric as a forward with Karim Benzema out.
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“It’s true that last year I tried to invent something and I paid the price for it,” said Ancelotti. “The game last year will not affect us, because this is another year, another Clasico.”