Former Real Madrid and German national team midfielder Toni Kroos spoke after the spectacular 4-3 El Clasico victory by Los Blancos over FC Barcelona on Matchday 35 of La Liga. In a candid and lucid interview, the 2014 world champion confided that he had trouble believing in a favorable outcome for his former team, even when Real Madrid seemed in a strong position. “To be honest, even with the score at 2-0, I doubted the match would go Real Madrid’s way,” Kroos said.
His admission surprised many fans, given that Real Madrid is renowned for its steely mentality and ability to turn the odds around. But for Kroos, this match was so intense that no outcome was certain, especially against an ever-dangerous Barça side. The match, played at a buzzing Camp Nou, offered a spectacle worthy of the rivalry between the two Spanish giants. The Blaugrana started strongly, leading 2-0 thanks to their fluid play and impressive ball control. However, as is often the case in this legendary duel, Real Madrid found the mental resources to come back into the game and ultimately win 4-3, at the end of a thrilling encounter.
Toni Kroos’s comments go beyond a simple post-match reaction. They reflect a profound reflection on the opposing mentalities of the two rival institutions. According to him, Barça embodies a total possession game, driven by a philosophy that values risk-taking and creativity, even when the outcome is uncertain. “That’s what makes Barça so unpredictable,” Kroos continued. “They never doubt their game plan. Even when they’re behind, they continue to build from the back, to attack patiently. This style is their identity.”
Conversely, Kroos points out that Real Madrid, despite their track record and aura, sometimes tends to doubt themselves in moments of tension. “Even when Real Madrid were leading, you could feel a certain lack of confidence. It’s strange, but it’s as if the players fear that Barça will always find a way to come back.” » This remark is surprising coming from a player who has won everything with the Merengues—four Champions Leagues, three La Liga titles, and a legend built alongside Luka Modrić, Casemiro, and Benzema. Yet it highlights an often-overlooked psychological aspect: the constant pressure that comes with Real Madrid, a club where victory is a permanent obligation.
For Kroos, the difference between the two Spanish giants isn’t just on the pitch, but also mentally. “Real Madrid is a winning machine, but that also creates a mental burden. Barça, on the other hand, plays with more lightness, even when they lose. This difference in mindset makes their matches so exciting.” Beyond his tactical analysis, Toni Kroos also wanted to emphasize how El Clasico retains a unique aura in the world of football.
Even after years of rivalry, each edition of this legendary duel continues to captivate fans and produce scenarios worthy of a movie. “No matter the standings or current form, El Clasico is always special,” said the former German international. “It’s a match where anything can happen. The energy, the passion, the noise in the stadium – it’s a spectacle you won’t find anywhere else.”
Kroos knows what he’s talking about. Between 2014 and 2023, he played in more than a dozen El Clasicos, some legendary, others dramatic. He experienced the fervor of the Santiago Bernabéu and the pressure of the Camp Nou, two environments capable of either enhancing or destroying a player. Reflecting on the last clash, he praised both teams for their total commitment: “This kind of match shows why Spanish football remains at the top. Real Madrid and Barça put on a show worthy of their history. When you see players fighting until the last second, you understand why the El Clasico is watched by the whole world.”
For Kroos, the secret to Real Madrid’s success lies in this ability to transcend themselves in decisive moments. Even if doubts exist, as he himself has acknowledged, the culture of winning always prevails. “At Real Madrid, you learn very quickly that doubt is not a weakness, it’s a motivation.” You have to turn your insecurities into energy to win.” The German midfielder concluded by paying tribute to his former teammates, who once again demonstrated their resilience: “This match reminded me why I love this club so much. No matter the difficulties, Real Madrid always finds a way to overcome them. It’s in their DNA.”
