Barcelona midfielder Pedri says beating Real Madrid in Sunday’s El Clasico is the team’s “greatest motivation” after their six-goal defeat by Paris Saint-Germain.

Hansi Flick’s side suffered their first loss of the season against PSG on Tuesday, ending an 11-match unbeaten start to the campaign.

Barcelona have six points from their opening two European fixtures and remain top of La Liga. They are five points ahead of second-placed Atletico Madrid and six clear of Real Madrid before the meeting at Camp Nou.

A victory on Sunday would move Barcelona nine points clear of their biggest rivals and provide Flick’s team with an immediate opportunity to respond to their European setback.

Pedri said Barcelona’s players were already using the high-profile fixture as the focus for their reaction.

“Coming back to victory in #ElClasico is a great challenge and the greatest motivation,” he said.

“Against PSG we competed, against a great rival and on a great stage, and we know the way. We have confidence and we have football. Here we go!”

Barcelona’s recent home record adds to the significance of the contest. They have won 23 consecutive league matches at home, a run which stretches back to September 2025.

They have also enjoyed the better of the most recent meetings between the two sides, winning four of the last five Clasicos.

The result at Camp Nou could therefore have a major impact on the early La Liga standings, with Barcelona looking to preserve their position at the top while extending their advantage over Real Madrid.