Barcelona legend Johan Cruyff believes the Catalan giants only need to win two of their four possible meetings with Real Madrid as they close in on a potential treble. The two sides meet in La Liga, with Real eight points adrift of Barça with seven games left, on Saturday with the Copa del Rey final coming just four days later.
The rivals are also almost certain to meet in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League meaning they will face a quartet of mouthwatering clashes within 18 days. But former Barça player and manager Cruyff, who recently returned to Ajax in an advisory capacity, does not believe Pep Guardiola's side need to concern themselves with trying to win all four games, pointing out that it is highly unlikely given how closely-matched they and Real are.
Can Real or Barça win all four games? Is it probable? On the contrary, it is very unlikely.
Johan Cruyff, Barcelona legend
Cruyff said in his El Periodico column: "Can Barça or Real win four direct duels in 18 days? No. Because they are two very good teams, two very good competitors, and they are going all out to try and win silverware. Can Real or Barça win all four games? Is it probable? On the contrary, it is very unlikely."
Cruyff believes that Barça would be better off focusing on winning the Copa del Rey final and the home leg of the Champions League tie. "You do not need to win four straight against your great rival to prove you're the best," he continued. "At least from the standpoint of Barça. Coming from where you came from, to earn what they've won, play like you're playing, your goal is not the full four.
"Your goal is to win the appropriate games of which there are two: the final of the Cup in Valencia and the return of the Champions League semi-final in Barcelona. One is worth a title, the other a place in the final. If the club were to win the Cup, even win three of four games, but lose their place in the final at Wembley would Catalans be happy then? Surely not."