Former Real Madrid, Barcelona stars feel El Clasico will be exciting match with no favourites | Football News – Times of India

KOLKATA: The first ‘El Clasico‘ of the season is scheduled on Saturday with Barcelona taking on arch-rivals Real Madrid at the Camp Nou.
Both teams will look to bounce back after losing their respective matches in the La Liga last weekend. However, Ronald Koeman‘s Barcelona will go into the clash high on confidence after 5-1 victory over Hungarian side Ferencvaros in the Champions League on Tuesday. While Zinedine Zidane’s Real will aim to prove a point after a shock 3-2 defeat against Shakhtar Donetsk in their CL match on Wednesday.
Ahead of this crucial tie, former stars of both sides, who had been a part of this encounter a number of times, speak up on this match.
Former Barcelona defender Carlos Puyol: I don’t think there is a clear favourite in the match, considering it being at the beginning of the season. Also last week both teams were defeated. So it is time for them to step up and I hope Barcelona wins and get their revenge.
Former Barca striker Samuel Eto’o: It is going to be a little bit strange to not have fans for such a match. El Clasico is a unique game and I hope players will give their best and offer a great spectacle and something dramatic on the pitch.
Former Barcelona striker Patrick Kluivert: I feel maybe it is too early for an El Clasico to be played in the season. But I don’t think this will guarantee who will win the championship. It is going to be a good match for sure and I am looking forward to it.
Former Real defender Fernando Hierro: It is very strange to see a match of this standard being played without fans. Maybe it will be easy for the away team and the referee as it’s been played behind closed doors.
Former Real midfielder Guti: I don’t think this match is going to be decisive for the Liga title, but it is going to be an important game. Winning this match will be great for the confidence early on in the season. Also other teams will be able to test their level, where they stand looking at these two sides.
Watch the El Clasico on Saturday at 7.30 pm on Facebook watch.