Jerzy Dudek: Real Madrid must not lose the Clasico

Ex-Real Madrid keeper Jerzy Dudek has said his former side can not lose the Clasico fixture this weekend.

Los Blancos go into the game at the Camp Nou one point behind rivals Barcelona having lead La Liga for much of the campaign. Some indifferent form since the start of 2015 has seen the Catalans overtake them, and Dudek believes Real must win at the weekend to realistically maintain any hope of clinching their first league title since 2012.

Speaking in an interview with goal.com, the former Poland international said: “There is a lot of tension before the game. On and off the pitch there is usually something happening! It’s always important but it depends on the season and where the teams are.”

He added: “This time it is very important for Real Madrid – they cannot lose, and they need to win. Real Madrid are not in their best moment and this is an opportunity to change the situation. It’s difficult to play at the Camp Nou, which has a very good atmosphere. A lot of supporters are waiting for this match. Let’s hope for me, as a Real Madrid supporter, that they get something out of the game.”

Having played for Liverpool against Manchester United too, Dudek said it was hard to pick out which was the more intense rivalry, but added interest in the Clasico is probably more.

“To me they’re both very tough, and as important as each other to the fans and the leagues. You can’t say the Clasico is bigger or Liverpool-United is bigger. But the only real difference is that worldwide the Gran Derbi gets more interest.”