‘Being a team’ – Jordi Alba takes aim at Kylian Mbappe and explains why Barcelona are ‘superior’ to Real Madrid

“I’m sure Barça can’t miss out on this league. If not this Sunday, it will be later,” he told La Vanguardia.

“But I think Sunday’s scenario meets all the requirements that a Barça player wants: Clasico, at the Camp Nou and with your people. I’m convinced that for the players it has to be very motivating.” Alba was also asked about Kylian Mbappe and how Real Madrid were expected to dominate following his arrival from PSG. Mbappe is yet to win a major trophy with Los Blancos and Alba explained why. “This is influenced by the environment and the expectations that are generated when a player of Mbappé’s stature arrives,” he added.

“But I think football today is, more than anything, about being a team. In that sense, Barcelona are superior: they play as a team, they all defend, they all attack. And, in addition, they enjoy playing together.” Mbappe is still a doubt for the big game due to injury, while Madrid’s build-up to the game has been dominated by headlines of tensions and in-fighting at the Santiago Bernabeu.