Clasico not title decider - Luis Enrique

FBL-ESP-FRIENDLY-RECREATIVO-BARCELONA

Barcelona's coach Luis Enrique

Barcelona's coach Luis Enrique
Barcelona’s coach Luis Enrique

Barcelona boss Luis Enrique has insisted that his side’s crucial top of the table clash with Real Madrid on Sunday will not be the sole determining factor in the La Liga title race.

The Catalans lead Madrid by a point and are favourites to extend that advantage on home soil after a run of 17 wins in 18 games in all competitions.

However, with Barca still set to face the likes of Spanish champions Atletico Madrid, Valencia and Sevilla in the final 10 games of the season, Enrique believes there will be more twists and turns to come after this weekend.

“Independent of the result I don’t think it will be decisive,” Enrique said on Saturday

“There are still 10 games to go and there are too many difficult games for both teams, so it is not decisive but important.”

By contrast, Madrid come into the game having lost five of their 16 games in 2015 to relinquish pole position in the title race.

However, Enrique believes the array of talent on show for both sides means there can be no clear favourite on the night.

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“Generally, we have to think that in this type of game there aren’t favourites.

“There is a lot at stake and the two teams have players that are out of this world.

“Playing at home is important, though, because it can help in terms of motivation and intensity.”

Barcelona could also be boosted by the presence of Sergio Busquets, who has made a quicker recovery than expected from a sprained ankle.

The Spanish international trained with his teammates on Saturday, but Enrique refused to confirm whether he will start having been sidelined since suffering the injury against Villarreal on March 4.

“Busquets could be an option,” added Enrique.

“He isn’t 100 percent which is normal. He has trained the past three days. He isn’t in perfect condition, but he is available which is important for us.”

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