Real-Barça Special: Florentino Perez Confident Real Will Win Liga & Derby

They call it a derby. But Madrid and Barcelona are as distant as Manchester and London. However, the entire Liga is packed in this single clash of the titans between the two Spanish giants.

In an interview with a famous Spanish sports daily, Real president Florentino Perez confessed he had no fears about the match, now that Rivaldo's presence is confirmed.

"Why worry about Rivaldo ? We don't care because we have Pavon" Perez declared defiantly. "Victory will be even sweeter if we win in the presence of Rivaldo".

Florentino Perez also believes his costly Real will go on and clinch the Liga, after beating Barcelona in the derby.

"I am convinced we can make it. If we have failed to keep consistent form so far, it is because of the hefty price we have paid to injuries, international call-ups, etc. We never had the chance to field the best Real 11".

Florentino Perez also said he will not poach Barcelona stars, as none of them are on his shortlist.

"Rumours stating we are on the brink to make a bid for Rivaldo or Kluivert are unfounded", he said, before adding that "the Figo affair is now behind our backs", in relation to the hype around last year's transfer coup which took the Portuguese wiz to Madrid from Barcelona.

How about Zidane's lengthy settlement in Madrid ? "He's the best and remains the best. We could not have taken a better to Real than Zidane".

As for the Ballon d'Or, whose winner will be announced later this year, Florentino Perez gave his support to Raul.

"No player in Europe has performed like him this year".