Rakitić promises to make Real Madrid’s Christmas holiday sad

CAIRO – 14 December 2017: Ivan Rakitić has stated his great confidence in Barcelona's ability to beat Real Madrid at the weekend, making sure Spain will not have a white Christmas.

The match between Real Madrid and Barcelona (known as El Clasico) will take place just two days before Christmas and the players will be given a few days holiday before returning to training.

“There are some people who will spend the holiday in grief,” Rakitić said about El Clasico.
“We will have a great match, and we will return to our good memories in Madrid. I am sure we will play for the victory; it will be a beautiful end to the year.” Rakitić added.

Rakitić is expected to play in the match alongside Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets in midfield if they are deemed fit. Paulinho may also have a role in the middle of the pitch.
Rakitić joined Barcelona from Sevilla in 2014 and he has since become a regular in Barcelona’s squad.