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Melamed: "We know what is at stake in the derby"

The academy product speaks ahead of RCD Espanyol's game against FC Barcelona

RCD Espanyol are looking for a victory this Sunday in the Catalan derby against FC Barcelona, as they continue to pursue their objective of top flight survival.

Speaking in the week prior to the fixture, the in-form Nico Melamed talked about the magnitude of the fixture.

"I know how important derbies are, how passionate people are about them and what they mean, but this one is even bigger because of what is at stake for us," he said on Wednesday.

"We must focus on ourselves, on working hard every day to be able to come into the weekend in the best shape possible."

The academy product assured that, even against the LaLiga champions-elect, who would clinch the title with a victory on this matchday, "the team will go for the game as we have been doing all season, although we know its importance and that we are risking everything. We are focused on our situation, and we know that it is a life-or-death game. We will go all-out because it is a 'final.'"

Finally, he praised the support received from the fans throughout the season and said that he is convinced that they will be out in force for the derby.

"We hope that they all show up, as they have done all year. Whenever they are there, they help us. You saw against Getafe that they were a twelfth man and made it easier for us," he concluded.