'Want to win Clasico for Neymar'

Barcelona midfielder Rakitic wants to win Sunday’s El Clasico against Real Madrid for Neymar, who is missing the game due to a suspension.

Neymar earned a three game ban for sarcastically applauding the referee after being red carded in Barcelona’s 2-0 defeat to Malaga.

The Brazilian was in tears as Barcelona exited Europe after a goalless draw against Juventus in the second leg of the quarterfinal tie on Wednesday. The first leg finished 3-0 to Juventus.

According to Goal.com Rakitic is eager to show that Barcelona can produce their best form in the absence of Neymar.

"I don't think it needs repeating that he is an important player," the Croatia international was reported as saying to Sky Sports. "The ban is not good, but it is what it is. We need to understand the situation and push on.

"In the past we have already shown that we can also win when Neymar isn't playing. Of course, it would be much better to have him with us, because he is one of the two or three best players in the world.

"We have a lot of confidence and we have a very strong team. We want to show Neymar that when he is not with us we can still do it, and hopefully we can take a victory for him," Rakitic added.

Madrid will pull six points clear of Barcelona if they manage to win the game at the Bernabeu. A win would also give them a better head-to-head record against Barcelona this season.

"Knowing the situation we are in, we go to Madrid wanting to win that game," Rakitic said.

"We need it and we go there with a lot of confidence. In the last few years the games there have been very good and we want to repeat that this year.

"Of course the season could have been better. We have dropped points where maybe we shouldn't have, but that's football.

"Sometimes big things happen to you because of small details. Now we have to pick ourselves up and look forward. What has happened is already behind us and the important thing is to improve together, in the way we always do."