Rafinha: Inter win gives Barcelona Clasico confidence

Sunday sees Barcelona take on Real Madrid in the first Clasico of the season, with Rafinha claiming the team's confidence levels are high.

Rafinha and Jordi Alba celebrate after Barcelona took the lead against Inter Milan.

Rafinha feels beating his old club Inter Milan in the Champions League will give Barcelona a confidence boost for the upcoming Clasico.

La Liga leader Barca hosts rival Real Madrid at Camp Nou on Sunday, with Los Blancos coach Julen Lopetegui reportedly on the brink of being dismissed.

Barca warmed up for the Clasico with a 2-0 Group B defeat of Inter in the Champions League, Rafinha opening the scoring as he deputised for injured captain Lionel Messi.

Jordi Alba added a late second to ensure the scoreline reflected Barcelona's dominance and, although Messi will not be fit to face Madrid, Rafinha says his team are in good shape.

READ | Barcelona 2 Inter 0: Rafinha helps down old club as injured Messi watches on

"I was absolutely thrilled to be picked in the starting XI. But also for the win, for the goal and for the intense motivation a night like this gives me," Rafinha said to Movistar.

"We did very well against a team we knew would cause us difficulties all night. To win like this, Barca had to produce very good football. This result is a great confidence boost for all of us and when Sunday brings the Clasico we'll be so up for it.

"We are very happy for the match, against a team that was going to make things very difficult for us, we played very well. The Champions League is special for us, although the other competitions are also very important."