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Brazilian-born Portuguese national team midfielder Deco believes that hard work during training sessions and teamwork will help overcome the Madrid "Galacticos" (stars - ed.) players in this weekend's match at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, known as "El Clasico."
"I believe that we are stronger as a team, so we have a greater chance of winning," said Barcelona's midfielder. "We have players with just as strong a 'winning mentality' as Real. Although they have players who can change the course of the match, I don't see any aspect in which they are better than us."
Lately, Barcelona has been displaying impressive form, winning five consecutive matches in the Spanish league and UEFA Champions League. During these matches, they scored 18 goals and conceded only one.
In the last meeting of these Spanish giants in April of this year, Madrid's Real unexpectedly won 4-2.
"The loss was unexpected," Deco continued. "We know that anything can happen in matches of this level, but this year we are better prepared. They will play for their pride and fans, giving it their all. If we do the same, I am confident we will win."
In Saturday's match, Barcelona's coach Frank Rijkaard will be able to rely on Deco, who has not played for the past three weeks due to injury. The coach will not have Dutch player Mark van Bommel at his disposal, as he suffered an injury during national team training camp.
Meanwhile, Real's doctors are racing against time to "get on their feet" Brazilians Ronaldo and Julio Baptista, midfielder Zinedine Zidane, and defender Michel Salgado in time for Saturday's match.
"The worst thing would be if Ronaldo recovers," Deco said about the injured opponents. "Because Real is weaker without him. However, it will be better for the spectators if he returns."
