Paco Buyo: "We won't see the Real Madrid team of the last few matches"

FC Barcelona is the side that he played the most games against. He played against 36 times, 26 of those were with Real Madrid. He still recalls those games with pride. Paco Buyo (Corunna, 1958) spoke to LFP.es ahead of the Clásico of the second half of this BBVA season, in order to analyse the game and remember his best moments in goal.

LFP.es: What memories do you have of the FC Barcelona - Real Madrid games that you played in?

Buyo: I experienced a lot of El Clásico games, in the Liga BBVA, in the Copa del Rey, in the Super Cup…The nerves before the game would tell me that I wasn’t going into any old game, but that the game was extremely important.

LFP.es: What is the best story you have from a Clásico?

Buyo: I have a lot of stories, good and bad. I remember the day that Míchel lost a boot and Ramón Calderé picked it up and kicked it out of touch. That was a very strange moment. There was also a game that I will never forget. The referee Pes Perez was in charge of the game and someone made a tough tackle on a Real Madrid player. Our physiotherapist ran onto the pitch without permission and the referee gave him a yellow card instead of booking the player.

"The nerves just before the game would tell me that I wasn’t going into any old game"

LFP.es: What is the atmosphere in the changing room just before a game of this calibre?

Buyo: Those moments extremely focused and tense. Players take advantage of those moments to remember an opponent's weak points and know where to attack.

LFP.es: What will be the key to the game?

Buyo: The team that dominates in midfield will have a real advantage. No doubt about that. That will be even more important than how Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, because any player can score. It could be Sergio Ramos or Gerard Piqué.

LFP.es: How are the teams performing as they go into the game?

Buyo: This game is not like the others, it has nothing to do with what we have seen up to now over the course of the season from both side, we are going to see a Clásico. It will be a very even game and Barcelona and Madrid will be fully committed.

LFP.es: Are FC Barcelona better than Real Madrid?

Buyo: They have been stronger in defence and have improved in relation to last season, but we shouldn't forget that Barcelona will have played an important game against Manchester City, that could tire them out and also have an influence on their game.

LFP.es: In what regard in Real Madrid the better side?

Buyo: If Real Madrid performs at their top level then they are invincible. They have a lot of strengths.

LFP.es: A prediction?

Buyo: It is difficult to make a prediction between two sides that have so many key players. However, I believe that Real Madrid will win. We will see a completely different side to the one we have watched in the last few games. The players are aware of the importance of the game, the motivation it requires and the attributes of Barcelona, therefore they are going to demonstrate that they are still an incredible side who amazed the world up until two months ago.

LFP.es: Will the winner of El Clásico go on to win the Liga BBVA?

Buyo: The result will have a decisive impact on who wins the league. If Barcelona wins, they will without doubt take a big step towards the title because of the importance of being a direct rival. However, if Real Madrid gets the three points, then they will also have a real chance of being champions.