Former Barcelona youth coach Pau Moral said Xavi Espart can cope with Real Madrid's Yan Diomande in the La Liga Clasico at Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday, October 25. Barcelona are top of the table after winning all nine of their opening league fixtures in the 2026-27 campaign, while Madrid are third and six points back in Jose Mourinho's second spell in charge.
Moral backs Espart
Speaking to Cadena SER ahead of the game, Moral said: "I don't think he'll have any trouble defending against Diomande; he's a very intelligent player. We also have to be prepared for him to make mistakes someday. It's not normal for these La Masia lads to never make a single error."
Moral also said: "He's always defended well, even though he was short at La Masia, he already did very well. Now he plays exactly the same as he did six or seven years ago, but against players of a higher calibre."
Espart's role and Barcelona absences
GOAL reported that Espart is set to keep his starting place on the right flank, while Joao Cancelo covers the opposite side. Barcelona are turning to Espart because Jules Kounde is a major doubt with an ankle sprain.
Eric Garcia, Andreas Christensen, Roony Bardghji and Dani Olmo are sidelined. Dani Olmo was ruled out for a month after suffering an adductor injury in Paris.
Espart scored his first Champions League goal against PSG.
Moral on Espart's rise
Reflecting on the youngster's rise through the youth ranks alongside fellow graduate Pau Cubarsi, Moral added: "He's a kid who's had to work incredibly hard; he was a dark horse. He wasn't like Gavi or Lamine Yamal, who were practically stars from a young age, but he's worked extremely hard for it."
Moral also said: "He personally influenced me as a coach. Sometimes we've had very good players, but without a connection. On the other hand, with players like Cubarsi or Espart, you feel very proud. The goal of everyone at La Masia is precisely for the youngsters to reach the first team."
Moral added: "I'm sold. Espart has great stats, and although he plays very well at full-back, he's really most comfortable in midfield."
Madrid team news
Real Madrid are missing suspended Vinicius Junior and injured Rodrygo and Raul Asencio. GOAL reported that Diomande should start on the wing while Federico Valverde deputises at right-back and Bernardo Silva moves inside.