Fermin Lopez has revealed that Real Madrid once showed interest in signing him before his Barcelona breakthrough but the midfielder insists he never had doubts about his future. Lopez, now a rising star under Hansi Flick, admitted he would have chosen Barca regardless, calling it his “big dream.” Ahead of El Clasico, the 22-year-old is full of belief and confidence in his team.

Marcus Rashford scored twice and Fermin Lopez netted a brilliant hat-trick as Barcelona thumped Olympiacos 6-1 in the Champions League on Tuesday. Hansi Flick's side blitzed their opposition with four goals in 11 second-half minutes, as they took advantage of a remarkably harsh sending off that reduced the visitors to 10 men.

Barcelona have been handed a major fitness boost as Fermin Lopez edges closer to a comeback. The 22-year-old midfielder, sidelined since late-September with a muscle injury, has resumed individual training on the pitch. His expected return after the international break against Girona will be a welcome lift for Hansi Flick, who has faced mounting injury concerns.

Fermin Lopez has shut down rumours of a rift with Gavi, insisting that the two remain close friends despite months of speculation linking their supposed fallout to personal disputes and training-ground clashes. The Barcelona midfielder says he is focused on maturity, mental strength and loyalty to the club as the noise around his relationship with Gavi refuses to die down.

Fermin Lopez joked Real Madrid were not among the clubs trying to sign him in the summer as he admitted that he received more offers than just Chelsea's late bid. The midfielder insisted that leaving Barcelona was never an option, though, as he looks to become a crucial figure for Hansi Flick's side following another injury upset.