As Barcelona gear up for yet another high-stakes El Clásico against Real Madrid, one name stands out among the squad brimming with confidence: Fermin López. The young midfielder recently sat down with Mundo Deportivo to share his thoughts on the heated title race, the electric rivalry, his growth under manager Hansi Flick, and the sting of an early Champions League exit.

With Barcelona just one win away from clinching a second consecutive La Liga title, Fermin didn't hold back about the team's hunger. "It's a match that all of us players love to play in – a Clásico – and even more so given the situation we're in," he said. "We're already looking forward to the match, to giving it our all and securing a win for the Culés."

Could Barcelona seal the league crown against their fiercest rivals? For Fermin, the timing is less important than the result. "It doesn't matter; the sooner the better. Ultimately, what matters is that we've been very consistent throughout the year, and we need to win it as soon as possible, whatever it takes."

Fermin also revisited a moment that still lingers in the minds of Barça fans: his stunning disallowed goal in the previous Clásico. After weaving past multiple defenders and beating Thibaut Courtois with a clinical finish, the goal was controversially ruled out. "I didn't quite understand it, but those are the decisions that get made," he reflected. "The important thing was that it stayed in the memory of all the Barça fans, who celebrated it as if it were a title."

Facing off against Real Madrid's star-studded lineup—including the likes of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Jr.—Fermin acknowledges the challenge but takes pride in Barcelona's unique path. "They're two absolutely brilliant players, but I think Madrid are our main rivals. They are a formidable opponent, but our strength comes from within. We have young homegrown players who are proving that this project is something truly special."