Barcelona defender Iñigo Martínez has spoken with confidence about his side’s recent dominance over Real Madrid, insisting that Los Blancos struggled to match Barça’s intensity on the pitch.
“Real Madrid respected us, and that was clear on the pitch,” Martínez said. “We always felt like they could never keep up with us.”
The Spanish centre-back, who joined Barcelona from Athletic Club in 2023, has quickly become a reliable figure in Xavi Hernández’s defensive setup. Known for his composure, aerial strength and ball-playing ability, Martínez has often been tasked with organizing the backline in high-pressure fixtures, including El Clásico.
His remarks come in the wake of a series of competitive clashes between the two Spanish giants. While Real Madrid remain one of the most successful clubs in world football, Barcelona’s younger generation — led by players like Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Gavi — have injected fresh energy into the squad, providing belief that the Catalans can outpace their rivals both physically and tactically.
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Martínez’s comments reflect the growing sense of confidence within Barcelona’s camp. Xavi has emphasized intensity, pressing and positional play as the cornerstones of his strategy, and players like Martínez have embraced that philosophy wholeheartedly.
The defender’s statement will no doubt add more fire to an already heated rivalry. El Clásico has always been more than a football match; it represents pride, politics and identity, with both clubs vying for dominance not just in Spain, but globally.
While Real Madrid boast stars like Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham, Barcelona’s players believe their collective approach can tilt the balance in their favor. Martínez’s words underline that mentality, suggesting that Barça’s belief is as important as their tactics.
With more Clásicos ahead this season, fans will be eager to see if Martínez’s confidence proves justified — or if Madrid will deliver a response on the pitch.
