The Frenchman has urged his former team to approach Saturday’s Clasico as a game on itself, but believes it is too late to catch the Catalans in La Liga
Former Real Madrid midfielder Christian Karembeu feels the Santiago Bernabeu side stand little to no chance to catch Barcelona in the Liga table, but has urged them to use Saturday’s match at Camp Nou as an opportunity to show the world what they are made of.
Zinedine Zidane’s men have fallen 10 points behind the Catalans in the race for the Spanish title and will need a miracle if they are to be crowned champions for the first time since 2011-12.
Karembeu realises stopping Barcelona from successfully defending their title might be a bridge too far for Madrid, but has stressed they still have plenty left to play for.
“It is impossible for Madrid to stop Barcelona in La Liga. Maybe they would have a chance if there was an epidemic at Barcelona,” Karembeu told Goal.
“But as things stand it is impossible for Madrid to catch Barcelona. They are too far away. Barcelona are playing very well and have a front three that are like brothers to each other. Nobody can stop Barcelona.
“The Clasico is all about pride, though. It is all about who you are and which club you are representing and fighting for. Barcelona are comfortably leading La Liga, but this is a special game that is all about pride.
“They should not be thinking about the 4-0 loss in the reverse fixture and try to get revenge. They should prepare themselves for this game as a match on itself.”
Real Madrid last beat Barcelona at Camp Nou in La Liga in April 2012, when Cristiano Ronaldo netted a 73rd-minute winner to help his team to a 2-1 victory.
Goal International met Christian Karembeu as part of Heineken’s UEFA Champions League #ChampionTheMatch campaign. For more information on #ChampionTheMatch, follow @Heineken on Twitter.
- Goal