Real Madrid or Barcelona? Luis Figo Names El Clasico Favourite Ahead of Saturday's Clash

• One of the most anticipated fixtures in football returns this Saturday evening, where Real Madrid will host Barcelona in the latest edition of El Clasico
• Barcelona lead La Liga as they face second-place Real Madrid, who trail by just three points, making this showdown crucial
• Former Real Madrid and Barcelona player, Luis Figo, has predicted the club that will win the showdown at the Santiago Bernabeu

Luis Figo has thrown his support behind Real Madrid to edge out Barcelona in the season’s first El Clasico clash at the Santiago Bernabeu this Saturday.

Both teams are in top form, separated by only three points in the league, with Los Blancos currently holding the lead and Real Madrid in close pursuit.

The Spanish giants enter the match with a potent attack, netting an impressive 33 goals in the league this season, per the Guardian.

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However, they’ve struggled in recent El Clasico showdowns, losing all four of their last encounters with Real Madrid.

Although Barcelona will be hoping to reverse this trend in Madrid, Figo believes the odds favour Carlo Ancelotti's side, particularly with the advantage of playing at home.

"A clásico is always unpredictable," Figo said in a Spanish radio interview via Tribuna, “but Madrid has to be favored a bit, because they play at home, and they need this win to stay near the top."

The former midfielder, whose own controversial transfer from Barcelona to Real Madrid in 2000 still divides fans, praised Barcelona's mix of seasoned players and young talents.

Yet, he highlighted how playing in front of a home crowd at the Bernabeu could give Real Madrid an important edge.

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"Barcelona has a mix of experience and youth, with quality and talent... but Real Madrid’s connection with their fans gives them extra energy and intensity," Figo noted.

He also acknowledged Robert Lewandowski's consistent contributions for Barcelona but stressed that Real Madrid’s fighting spirit and the energy of the home crowd could be decisive.

This prediction from Figo, who remains a contentious figure for Barcelona fans, will likely stir debate as both sets of supporters prepare for Saturday’s highly anticipated showdown.

Neymar backs Vinicius to win Ballon d'Or

In an earlier publication, YEN.com.gh reported Neymar Jr.'s enthusiastic support for Vinicius Junior’s bid for the 2024 Ballon d'Or.

The former Barcelona star expressed confidence that Vinicius possesses the talent to surpass rivals Jude Bellingham and Rodri in the race for the prestigious award.

Source: YEN.com.gh