With only eight teams remaining in the competition following the conclusion of the round of 16, the possibility of seeing an unprecedented ‘Clasico’ in the Champions League final increases. A fear for many, but also a dream for others.
And Pau Cubarsi is one them. Although many have admitted that they would not be able to tolerate the pain of losing against their main rival in a European final, the ‘Cules’ defender said that he would sign for a potential final between Real Madrid and Barcelona.
“Real Madrid always do well. We are also doing well this season and I think that we can meet in a final, because they are a great team and so are we. But even Atletico in La Liga can be competitive,” the 18-year-old said.
He added: “I would put my signature for it. If we continue to be as good, we can reach the final. And if we get to the final, we’ll give it our all regardless of the team we face. If it’s Real Madrid, it would be a beautiful final for us and the whole world.”
Speaking on the fans afraid of such an outcome, Cubarsi affirmed: “Real Madrid are one of the best teams, same for Barca. There has always been this rivalry. They can win at any moment, the same way we can, but it would be a great final to see.”
Having gotten past Benfica in the last 16 midweek, the Catalans return to domestic league action as they face Atletico Madrid in what is set up to be a massive game for the title race. “The season starts now because these are the crucial stages, where everything is at stake,” he insisted.
The young centre-back refused to talk about Julian Alvarez’s penalty controversy when speaking on his upcoming opponents. Argentine striker Alvarez had his penalty ruled out in the shootout against ‘Los Blancos’ as he was deemed by VAR to have kicked the ball twice.
Cubarsi said: “In the two games we have played against Atletico, they’ve scored late. We expect them to give it their all tomorrow as well. We have to stay focused for all the 90 to 95 minutes of the game. Alvarez? I don’t like to talk about things that do not involve Barca.”