Former Real Madrid star, Rafael van der Vaart has predicted the result of the forthcoming match between Real Madrid and Barcelona scheduled for Sunday.
The fixture would be the first El Clásico of the current campaign, and Van der Vaart believes that José Mourinho's squad will "punish" the league's leaders through counter-attacking play.
Speaking to Winwin, the former Dutch midfielder, who played two seasons at the Bernabéu, expressed his conviction that Mourinho's squad will capitalize on Barcelona's losses of possession.
Barcelona will host the tenth matchday fixture at the Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday with the match scheduled for 21:00 local time.
The Catalans have won all nine of their La Liga matches this season and maintain a six-point advantage over Mourinho's side, currently positioned in third place.
Van der Vaart stated, "I expect Real Madrid to win the match. Although Barcelona are playing well, I think Real Madrid can exploit Barcelona’s loss of possession very effectively through counter-attacks. I believe they will punish Barcelona.”
Van der Vaart, who also represented Tottenham Hotspur and Hamburger SV, identified mentality as the distinguishing factor between the two organizations.
He added, “I think the big difference is that Real Madrid have become a winning machine. The players fight for the manager and give their all on every inch of the pitch.”
Barcelona approach the Clásico following a 4-2 Champions League setback against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.
Van der Vaart does not anticipate this outcome to have a residual effect.
He said, "No, I do not believe the defeat sustained against Paris Saint-Germain will influence Barcelona's performance.
"Naturally, experiencing defeat in a significant match is never favorable, particularly a 4-2 loss, which constitutes a substantial reversal."
El Clásico: 'They'll punish them' - Rafael van der Vaart predicts Barcelona vs Real Madrid clash