Tensions will be sky high as Barcelona take on Real Madrid in the season’s first El Clasico.
The animosity between the two clubs have increased tenfold in the last two years and someone who knows this tension all too well is Gerard Pique.
Speaking ahead of this high-octane battle, Pique offered his thoughts on the game and Real Madrid, in general.
Pique’s Clasico verdict
Pique did not miss an opportunity to stir the pot ahead of the Clasico, predicting a dominant performance from Barcelona.
Pique expects Barcelona domination vs Real Madrid. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
In a recent video on TikTok (h/tMundo Deportivo), the former defender did a player-by-player comparison between the two sides, overwhelmingly favouring his beloved Barcelona. He captioned the clip with an ironic “Always objective.”
Among his picks were Joan Garcia ahead of Thibaut Courtois, Pedri over Federico Valverde, and Lamine Yamal above Jude Bellingham.
The most striking call of all, however, was his decision to rate Anthony Gordon over Kylian Mbappe.
At the end, Pique took a dig at Jose Mourinho and predicted a comfortable victory for the Blaugrana.
“The first time Mourinho went to the Camp Nou, he lost 5-0. I predict 4-1,” he concluded.
Barcelona must be cautious
Barcelona are the undisputed favourites heading into this game due to the form that they have shown so far this season.
Flick under pressure ahead of El Clasico. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
However, the Catalans must remain cautious as they are coming on the back of the season’s first defeat at the hands of PSG while injury woes have only intensified for Hansi Flick.
On the flip side, Real Madrid have shown encouraging form after the international break, notably pulling off a sensational comeback win over AS Roma in the Champions League before dismantling Sevilla.
Real Madrid were also able to dominate RB Leipzig in midweek, with the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Yan Diomande maintaining their superb form this month.
Barcelona’s recent troubles coupled with Real Madrid’s form has brought balance to this tie and it will, therefore, be interesting to see if Flick’s men are able to live up to Pique’s expectations.