Miguel Ángel Nadal: "I don’t think any aspect of Barcelona’s game is weaker"

Miguel Ángel Nadal (Manacor, Mallorca, 1966) is one of the most experienced players in terms of El Clásico games following his eight seasons as a player at FC Barcelona. The player from the Balearic Islands witnessed some historic days, such as Barcelona’s 5-0 thrashing of Real Madrid during the 1993/94 season and the response of the Whites a season later. Having played in 16 El Clásico games and scored two winning goals for Barcelona, he is one of the best qualified people to talk about this game.

LFP.es: What are your memories of the El Clásico games?

Miguel Ángel Nadal: They are special games, because of the atmosphere and the pressure, both playing at home and away. The match involves quite a lot of adrenaline. They are the games that professional players like to play, because you can get the best of out of yourself as the demands are so high. Often you are playing for more than three points in these games.

LFP.es: What is the best story you can recall from a Clásico game?

Miguel Ángel Nadal: One day we lost track of time and arrived late at the stadium, with just enough time to get changed and go out on the pitch. I also remember winning 5-0 and losing 5-0 and both of those were experience. I can remember arriving at the stadium in the bus and getting a completely different reception depending on whether the game was at the Camp Nou or the Bernabéu, which meant completely different atmospheres for football.

LFP.es: Tell us about the 5-0 win over Real Madrid during the 1993/94 season. Is that your best memory as a player?

Miguel Ángel Nadal: That game a 90 minute long party, the fans made a mosaic, it was one of those games where everything goes perfectly. There were other games, one that we had to win at the Bernabéu in order to have a shot at the Liga BBVA and we won, another where I scored, and obviously that was a special day. I can still vividly remember the El Clásico games.

LFP.es: What is the atmosphere like in the changing room just before one of these games?

Miguel Ángel Nadal: All games require concentration, but this one, due to the level of demand, the atmosphere changes from lunchtime onwards. There is worrying that make you more prepared for the level of demand. When you go to rest in the room you get that feeling of it being a special day. Everything builds up and you know that you must give everything you can.

LFP.es: What do you think will be the key to El Clásico this Sunday?

Miguel Ángel Nadal: The intensity level teams can play at and patience. I think that Barcelona are the favourites, but we are talking about two teams with such a high level of potential, a single move can make a difference. On a team level, I believe that Barcelona have got something of an advantage, and they are playing at home.

LFP.es: How would you assess the form of both sides going into the game?

Miguel Ángel Nadal: Madrid, apart from the injuries that they have suffered, have lowered their intensity of play. At the beginning of the season they performed to a very high level, and individual players did very well, collectively they had a very strong team. They have lowered this intensity level a bit, however I have no doubts that will recover. Madrid had that drop in form following the FIFA Club World Cup, around the same time that Barcelona started to overcome their problems, and get Messi back to top form.

LFP.es: In what aspects do you think that Barcelona are better than Real Madrid?

Miguel Ángel Nadal: In ball possession, the tactical system that they use, and their rhythm on the ball.

LFP.es: And in what way are Real Madrid better than Barcelona?

Miguel Ángel Nadal: They are very even squads, the main thing is that they perform to their maximum level, but I don’t think any aspect of Barcelona’s game is weaker.

LFP.es: You have managed to score in a Clásico. Are those special goals?

Miguel Ángel Nadal: It depends what the goal means. Goals are special when they mean points or depending on what stadium you are in. If you score in a final it has a different meaning. When you score against Madrid, you score against a direct rival, and if the goal means getting all three points, then even better.

LFP.es: A prediction for the match?

Miguel Ángel Nadal: I think that Barcelona are the favourites. 1-0.

LFP.es: Will the winner go on to win La Liga?

Miguel Ángel Nadal: If Barcelona win then they take a very important step forward. If Madrid win, well, I don’t think they are in the same form as Barcelona, who have an advantage in the game and in relation to winning La Liga.