After their hard-earned win in Bilbao, Barcelona has shifted focus to the upcoming Clasico against Real Madrid at Camp Nou next Sunday. The match stands as a crucial swing in the title race, with the potential to extend a nine-point lead as Xavi steers a team built on discipline, relentless defense, and collective resilience. Ter Stegen continues to stand tall in goal, extending a remarkable run of cleans sheets that now spans 19 days in 25 appearances this season, underscoring the squad’s defensive solidity and his peak form.
The mood around the camp is upbeat as Pedri rejoined group training this week. Although he did not complete the full session, his return to the field marks a meaningful step in recovering from a muscle strain suffered nearly a month ago. Pedri’s presence in drills raises hopes that he can be ready for Madrid, a tougher test that will demand every available option. His return would inject creativity and control into midfield, a balance Barcelona has relied on throughout the campaign.
In other positive news, Ousmane Dembélé is back in action after a knock at Montilivi. His availability would add width and pace at a moment when Madrid’s defense is pressing high and forcing rapid transitions. The Barcelona medical team remains cautious, prioritizing a sustainable return to minimize the risk of relapse, an approach that has helped the squad maintain consistency during a demanding schedule.
Fans glimpsed Pedri back in training, signaling a potential turnaround. Look who’s back to practice with the team @Pedri pic.twitter.com/e26glmtOME
– FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_cat) March 13, 2023
Pedri’s earlier setback occurred during a Europa League clash with Manchester United, where he left the field with a right thigh rectus femoris injury in the first half. Both Xavi and the player emphasized restraint, choosing medical guidance over short-term risk to ensure a clean recovery and to avoid aggravating the issue. The decision, though prudent, highlighted how much Barcelona relies on Pedri’s influence in high-stakes moments against strong opposition.
Despite the setback in Old Trafford, the squad adapted quickly, narrowing the midfield gap and continuing to perform at a high level. The absence of their most technically gifted midfielder tested Barcelona’s depth, yet the team demonstrated strength in collective effort, with others stepping up to shoulder the load and deliver essential results. The season has featured notable contributions from backups and youth prospects, underscoring the depth at Xavi’s disposal and the strategic versatility of the squad.
Six results in the balance: four wins and two losses
Barcelona did manage to win the first leg of the cup semi-final 0-1 at the Bernabéu, a result that showcased their resilience and discipline in big away fixtures. Across the period in question, the team went six matches without Pedri, finishing with four wins and two losses. The victories included decisive 2-0 wins over Cádiz and 1-0 triumphs against Valencia and Athletic, plus a 0-1 road win at Madrid. The two losses came in Europe against Manchester United and a narrow 1-0 setback at Almería. This stretch tested Barcelona’s balance and depth, yet it also demonstrated the squad’s ability to adapt and compete at the highest level across domestic and continental contests, a hallmark of Xavi’s leadership this season. These results, achieved within a demanding calendar, reflect a side that has managed injuries with grit and patience, preserving momentum for the closing stages of the campaign.
The upcoming Clasico stands as a potential turning point, offering a chance to widen the gap and reinforce the club’s intent for the second half of the season. Madrid will push to reduce the deficit, pressuring Barcelona’s rhythm, while Xavi will likely emphasize a compact defensive shape and quick transitions that exploit spaces behind Madrid’s high line. The tactical duel between these two sides always carries weight, but this edition also carries the practical impact of a nine-point cushion and the emotional lift of a home crowd ready to roar. In these moments, every possession matters, every press sequence counts, and the mental resilience of the squad can become a decisive factor. The story of this period in Barcelona’s season is the balance between squad depth, disciplined defense, and the spark brought back by returning players, all aligning toward a clear goal: keep the path to glory intact and lay a foundation for sustained success in the years ahead. These are the narratives fans and media alike are watching closely, with attribution to club communications and match-day updates as the official source of record. (via FC Barcelona official updates)