Barcelona’s first defeat of the season, suffered against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, has left a mark before Sunday’s Clasico, but Gavi believes the setback can sharpen rather than weaken Hansi Flick’s side. With Real Madrid arriving and a potential nine-point Liga lead at stake, the midfielder has framed the occasion in the strongest possible terms.
“Losing hurts, especially for a group as competitive as ours,” Gavi said. “But defeats are also where you grow in football. This match should make us stronger and help us come through it better.”
Barcelona face Madrid after a European night in which PSG ended their unbeaten start, yet Gavi insisted the league meeting carries its own urgency. “This Clasico is a matter of life or death because of the points involved in La Liga,” he said. “Both matches matter, but this is one of the greatest fixtures in football. Everyone in the team loves these games and we will have to give everything for the full 90 minutes.”
Gavi embraces the Clasico edge
The 21-year-old has never hidden his appetite for confrontation, and he said the intensity of a meeting with Real Madrid suits his character. Flick’s tactical instructions will be essential, he said, but so will the players’ understanding of their duties once the game begins.
“I am one of those players who really enjoys going into battle in a Clasico,” Gavi said. “We are all Barcelona supporters and we always want to beat Real Madrid. From the opening whistle, we will give everything.”
He understands why some fans look back fondly on the Messi-versus-Cristiano Ronaldo era, when the fixture was shaped by two of the game’s defining figures. But Gavi rejected the idea that the modern contest lacks meaning. Barcelona and Madrid still approach the match with the same instinct, he said: to win at any cost.
The current rivalry also plays out through celebrations, interviews and social media, with Lamine Yamal frequently at its centre. Gavi defended his teammate’s confidence and called the Barcelona teenager the best player in the world at present.
“Every player can be themselves,” he said. “For me, Lamine is the best in the world right now. He has the right mentality and stays focused, especially in the biggest matches. That is what matters.”
Gavi highlighted Yamal’s close control, his reading of teammates and his ability to raise those around him as the qualities that most stand out. He hopes the winger can succeed Ousmane Dembélé, his close friend and former Barcelona teammate, as Ballon d’Or winner.
“Ousmane is like a brother to me and I was very happy when he won it,” Gavi said. “He deserved it and I always believed in him. This year, I hope another brother, Lamine, can win it.”
Respect for PSG’s stars and Madrid’s danger
Gavi also offered support to PSG forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia after his injury, describing the Georgian as a player he has long admired. He believes Kvaratskhelia deserves a place among the Ballon d’Or’s top five after what he called an outstanding previous season, and expects him to return stronger.
As for Kylian Mbappé, Gavi acknowledged the Real Madrid forward’s threat ahead of Sunday. Mbappé has scored heavily against Barcelona, including a hat-trick in Madrid’s 4-3 defeat at Barcelona in May 2025, but Gavi said individual goals matter less than the final result.
“He can score four or five if we win,” Gavi said when asked whether he would accept another Mbappé treble in a Barcelona victory. “I would sign for that immediately.”
Gavi said Mbappé’s lack of trophies should not diminish his standing, even if honours can influence the Ballon d’Or debate. “He scores an enormous number of goals and is one of the best players in the world,” he said. “Anyone who cannot see that is blind. Team titles also depend on context and on teammates. He has had an exceptional season.”
Amid the familiar noise around refereeing before a Clasico, Gavi said Barcelona have learned to shut out the discussion. The key, he added, is maintaining unity in a football environment where players can be praised one day and criticised the next, particularly in the age of social media. For Barcelona, the response to the PSG defeat will now be measured under the lights against Madrid.
