Barcelona, under Hansi Flick, have been firing on all cylinders this season. As the campaign reaches its climax, the Catalan giants are sitting comfortably at the top of La Liga, with the prospect of securing their third domestic trophy this season looming on the horizon.
But for Barcelona and Spain’s Ferran Torres, Fermín López, and Marc Casadó, their next game has the potential to be season-defining. If they win on Sunday, they could go seven points clear at the top, giving them one hand on the league title. Having already secured the Spanish Super Cup and the Copa del Rey by defeating their bitter rivals Real Madrid, this weekend’s El Clásico gives them the opportunity to go four for four against Los Blancos.
Dripped out in Under Armour’s signature sportswear aesthetic, the stars linked up with us at a local bar to take a moment to reflect. Discussing their memories of past Barcelona teams, their experiences watching and playing in El Clásico, and, of course, giving us the inside scoop on the dressing room.
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As the players huddle together to take a trip down memory lane, running through their many ‘Firsts,’ a sense of pride and steely determination emerges amongst the trio as they discuss their experiences. This has been a feature throughout the year, as despite the team’s considerable youth, they continue to impress us with their tactical nous and technical ability.
When asked about their first memory of watching Barcelona growing up, Torres is quick to respond with, “The 6-2 or 5-0, the Ronaldinho game too. When you’re a kid, you see it as impossible to get there, the best club in the world.” Casadó echoed the forward’s admiration of the team, “With Guardiola’s Barça, you were just watching TV and enjoying. Those matches (5-0, 6-2) were great.”
Pep Guardiola’s time at Barcelona is heralded as one of the most successful in the Club’s history, the pinnacle of which was the historic sextuple achieved in the 2008/2009 season. And when discussing the iconic 6-2 win over their rivals Real Madrid, López paid homage to one player in particular, nicknaming the team “Messi’s Barça.”
Despite the players having different journeys to Barcelona’s first team, with Ferran coming from Valencia’s academy via Manchester City, whilst the two midfielders grew up in the distinguished La Masia academy, the emotional bond to the club pours out from all three.
Both López and Casadó reflected on their experiences watching Barcelona growing up with such vigour and excitement, despite both players being 12 and 11, respectively, when they defeated Juventus at the Olympiastadion in 2015 – clinching a historic treble.
Their shared dream of rocking the Blaugrana colours on the biggest stages made their experience of watching the first team that much more significant. And when questioned about their most memorable moment at Barça, both players were quick to agree on “the debut when you start at the club.”
Inspired by their memories, they have been able to forge their own legacies in the iconic fixture and will be determined to consolidate their place in history on Sunday.
Their youthful glee continues as the players are asked about their first El Clásico, recollecting the emotions of the occasion. As the most senior of the three players, it is once again Torres who takes the lead in answering the question, “My second Clasico was the 0-4 at the Bernabeu, I scored and it was one of the happiest moments of my life.” And as López and Casadó jestfully bicker over whose debut was better, the overarching feeling amongst the group was pride, as they fulfilled a lifelong dream of representing the Blaugrana in a historic game.
As the conversation shifts towards best celebrations, López confesses “I remember when I scored against Madrid, I just went crazy, I could only scream!” And as the group go through the dressing room, Torres suggests Gavi because of the sheer passion he displays when he gets on the scoresheet, while Casadó recommends Raphinha for his salute “gesture.” The brotherhood between the Spanish trio was evident throughout the day, and when Torres jokingly suggests Casadó he’s quick to remind the group “ah no, he doesn’t score!” As laughter consumes them, the unity amongst the Barça squad becomes ever apparent.
Moving beyond the pitch, the subject of fashion proves to be an amusing topic for the players as they collectively laugh about some of their teammates’ fashion sense. With Torres adding, “Some teammates should dress in the dark, or only stick to Barça tracksuits, because otherwise, oh my god..”
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And as the players open up about their lyrical preferences, they unanimously agree that “Lamine is the dressing room DJ, he plays a bit of everything. Reggaeton, Afrobeats, a bit of everything depending on the mood.” When asked about the first artist they watched live, Casadó admitted, “I watched Bruce Springsteen when I was a kid, with my Dad.” López was quick to question his teammate’s choice, laughing as he said, “You can’t even pronounce it!” But Casadó stayed firm, rebutting, “You don’t even know who he is.” This jovial exchange between the two 21-year-olds reminds us of their youth and makes their achievements thus far in their careers that much more impressive.
A football season can often be gruelling, taking a toll on players physically, mentally, and emotionally. So when invited to reminisce and rediscover their bond to Barcelona, the players seemed to develop fresh impetus in their quest for glory, wholly determined to eat their rivals.
You can watch the full conversation here.
