Iniesta bemoans Clasico scheduling
Andres Iniesta accepts the timing of Saturday’s Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid is “not the best scenario” as the game immediately follows a two-week international break.
Iniesta was not involved in Spain’s friendly draws against Italy or Romania due to injury, but the influential midfielder is expected to return at Camp Nou.
Barcelona can take a big step towards retaining their Liga title with a win, as Luis Enrique’s side are already nine points clear of Atletico Madrid at the top of the table, while Madrid are a further point behind.
Iniesta is unhappy with the scheduling of the Clasico, but does not expect it to be a decisive factor.
“It is not the best scenario, but it is a normal situation within the schedule we have,” said Iniesta.
“It will not be transcendental. We know what we have to do and who we are facing.
“A Clasico is always a different game, you can feel it in the environment. We want to win without paying attention to anything else.
“We have the desire and enthusiasm to finish the season in the best way possible.”
Madrid are on their best run of form since Zinedine Zidane’s appointment, with four successive wins since a 1-0 home loss to Atletico, but Luis Enrique’s side have won 20 of their last 22 league games at Camp Nou.
The spotlight, as ever, will be on the star players for each side. Lionel Messi has scored eight goals in Barca’s last six home games, while his great rival Cristiano Ronaldo has found the net nine times in eight trips to Camp Nou.
