Xavi Espart urges calm ahead of Barcelona El Clasico debut

Barcelona youngster Xavi Espart says composure will be vital if he is given the chance to make his first El Clasico appearance against Real Madrid on Sunday.

The academy graduate, who has supported Barcelona since childhood, could reach a significant milestone in his young career when the Catalan club host their fiercest rivals at the Spotify Camp Nou.

Espart is relishing the prospect of playing in one of football’s most celebrated fixtures, having grown up watching the rivalry.

“I’ve been a Barca fan since I was a child. I’ve watched lots of Clasicos. I’m really looking forward to it and can’t wait,” he said on Barcelona’s official channels.

The young full-back recognises the pressure surrounding the match but believes he is prepared to meet the demands of the occasion. His message to himself is to remain composed and trust his ability.

“Stay calm, have confidence in myself. I feel ready to play my first Clasico and I’m really looking forward to it,” Espart said.

Should he feature, Espart’s first priority is clear: helping Barcelona overcome Real Madrid.

“Firstly, to play in it and win it,” he added.

The teenager also wants to absorb the atmosphere at the Spotify Camp Nou while ensuring the scale of the fixture does not affect his performance. He believes the best approach is to focus on the match once it begins rather than dwell on its wider significance.

“It’s important to go out there feeling calm. Once you’re playing, there’s no need to overthink things,” Espart explained.

His comments underline the confidence with which he is approaching the possibility of a breakthrough in the rivalry. The chance to face Real Madrid comes after another important moment earlier this week.

Espart scored his first Champions League goal against Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday, giving him added confidence before Sunday’s meeting with Barcelona’s biggest rivals.

The potential El Clasico debut would therefore follow his first goal in the competition, as Espart looks to build on that achievement while maintaining the calm he considers essential for the occasion.