Former Barcelona captain Sergi Roberto has backed his former club to overcome Real Madrid in Sunday's El Clásico, insisting their heavy Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain will not affect their performance.

Barcelona host their arch-rivals on October 25, 2026, with Roberto confident that Hansi Flick's side can put their midweek disappointment behind them and continue their impressive football.

“I think the match against Real will be a little bit different: they don't have as much possession as PSG had on Tuesday. They’re different matches, and I don’t expect it to impact the Clasico at all. Barcelona are playing incredible football, and I think they need to approach this match like it’s any other game," Roberto told Flashscore.

Roberto, who spent 18 years at Barcelona before leaving in 2024, knows the significance of the fixture, having featured in some of the club's most memorable victories over Real Madrid.

The 34-year-old made 373 appearances for the Catalan giants, scoring 19 goals and providing 43 assists. He also won seven La Liga titles and two UEFA Champions League trophies during his time at the club.

EXPLAINER: What happens if there's a tie in Ballon d'Or voting

One of his most iconic moments came in March 2017, when he scored the decisive late goal in Barcelona's remarkable 6-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain to complete a historic comeback.

Roberto also recorded 10 victories in 21 appearances against Real Madrid, giving him first-hand experience of the intensity surrounding the rivalry.

Barcelona head into Sunday's encounter looking to maintain their strong domestic form, while Roberto believes their approach should remain unchanged despite the setback in Europe.

The former captain remains confident his old team can rise to the occasion and claim victory in one of football's biggest rivalries.

FKA/JKB

Guns and Drugs: Dr Adam Bonaa Warns of Growing Security Threat to Ghana