The Estadi Olímpic is set to open its doors to enjoy women's football again on Saturday, and the stands will be awash with blaugrana for one of the most hotly anticipated games of the season, the Clásico. With the backdrop of the 1-3 loss on Montjuïc last season — the first ever defeat in a Clásico — the Catalans are really forward to putting it behind them.

One of the key players is Mapi León, a veteran of 15 Clásicos. This is not just a game for the defender, it's a chance to do away the disappointment from last time and show their worth on the pitch. In an interview with the Club's media, the player gave an honest appraisal about how the team is preparing from such a big match, how they have moved on from the loss against Real Sociedad, as well as looking ahead to the busy weeks of Liga F and Champions League action. There may be travelling, training and games, but Mapi León knows that each Clásico is a chance to write a new chapter of Barça history.

The Clásico on Saturday will be the third you've played at the Estadi Olímpic. Are you looking forward to it?
Yes, of course! And especially given what happened last time… We were left with a bitter taste in the mouth and the team really wants to win again.

Sure, the last Clásico you played was the first ever loss between Barça and Real Madrid. The team wants revenge...
We always want to win. Every defeat is annoying, but in this case and being the first and at home, it is more annoying.

So, how do the players prepare for a game where everyone including yourselves want a win?
It is contradictory; we have to prepare for another game, but knowing this is not just another game. In fact, it definitely is more because more people come to watch, expectation is higher, there is more preparation, more media, there is more noise about it. We have to do what we do every day in training to be able to give our best. There is no need to go to extraordinary lengths to be honest.

You speak about there being more noise about the game, with more media and more expectation, but as you explained, it's just another three points for you…
That's right. Just a different opponent. Ultimately we know that team are towards the top of the table, playing better and better, and that they defeated us last year.

You come off the back of winning two games, in the Liga F against Deportivo and in the Champions League against Oud-Heverlee Leuven Ladies, but the slip-up against Real Sociedad is still fresh in the mind…
The recent defeat is a normal thing, that's sport. Ideally it wouldn't happen, but you can fail from time to time. We are not robots, we can have an off day, opponents also have their role and make it difficult for us. However, I would say to you that in spite of us obviously preferring that it didn't happen, it's sometimes a positive that you lose and that the team can gain awareness that you can't always win everything.

So, if Real Madrid were to unfortunately win on Saturday — they are five points behind at the moment — they would be two behind. Is the pressure on?
I'm not thinking about that possibility right now.

You have featured in 15 out of the 19 Clásicos ever played. How does it feel to be one of the players with most Barça v Real Madrid appearances?
Who has more than me?

Aitana has 18, Patri 17, and Graham has 16. Then you with 15.
Of course, I might have been injured for some of those… I didn't actually know to be honest, I didn't have a clue that was the total. I am always happy to add to the team and give my best. Then it's the mister who always decides, but well, I'm happy. I have always liked playing in these games, so like any sportswoman, I want to be out on the pitch.

You scored a goal in one of those 15 Clásicos, at the Camp Nou no less. And against Deportivo the other day too. Want to do it again on Saturday?
It's not something I think about. It sometimes depends more on what type of game it is. I can be closer or further away from the opponents' goal. There is always a chance from deal ball situations. My idea, even if it is just to cross, is to create danger in attack.

"We are not robots, we can have an off day, opponents also have their role and make it difficult for us. However, I would say to you that in spite of us obviously preferring that it didn't happen, it's sometimes a positive that you lose and that the team can gain awareness"

? Mapi León on the defeat to Real Sociedad

You start a run of games this week. You come from playing the Champions League this week, you have the Clásico on Saturday and then you travel to London next week… How do you manage the games as they come?
We do what we can. When there are runs of Champions League, Liga F, Champions League, we have to play and you can start to recover when it's over. Every player has things that work for them, each one has to feel what they need. I personally find it a lot of fun.

Do you prefer playing over training?
I prefer playing. The thing is it starts to take its toll physically, the travelling… but in terms of preference, I prefer playing every three days.

That toll, plus the pressure from important games, is starting to be noted among the young players coming out of La Masia. What advice would you give them?
These are young, hungry girls and they are doing very well. They have to enjoy the day to day so they also relax and give their best.

Lastly, what message have you for the fans who will be at the stadium on Saturday?
You really notice when there are people supporting and encouraging us. They are another member of the team and they are really important to us. They must come because we need them.

Força Barça