Xavi Hernández: "Messi is the bane of Real Madrid"

Xavi Hernández knows a thing or two about Clásicos. The former Barcelona captain played no less than 42 during his illustrious career in azulgrana. He analysed the game for Mundo Deportivo and has no problem saying Lionel Messi is "the bane of Real Madrid" and says his former side are the favourites for the clash.

The game: "I think the profile of Barca's footballers means they can have more of the ball and that means they can have more of the ball and the statistics are on their side to win."

The aesthetic of Barcelona football: "What if they lost three games and played nice football? The result is vital, it is very important. You can always improve and be excellent but Barca are in a very good run of form."

Messi: "He is the bane of Real Madrid in the last 10 or 15 years, and Madrid have suffered a lot. Real Madrid or any team but especially Real Madrid. And the Bernabéu has a lot of respect for Messi because he made the difference in the last few years, he always scored goals and has the ability to do whatever he wants."

Cristiano Ronaldo. The best ever? "This is Cristiano. It's in his character and has helped him win five Ballon d'Ors, it is a positive for him. He believes it, he has taken Ballon d'Ors from Messi, which was something unthinkable for people who believe in a more collective style of football or in the Barca philosophy, who understand that Messi is the best player ever, but Cristiano also has a lot of merit for what he has done, obviously. If he thinks he is the best in the world, he believes he is the best ever and this is a positive for him, he's a winner. Also, to have won what he has won, he has a lot of merit. But for me, there is no two ways about it."

Neymar and his exit: "Yes, we found out at Messi's wedding, he told us he was thinking about going, it surprised us a lot but just like the case of Mascherano, we respect his decision. It left a lot of money at the club, which the club has taken advantage of to sign Dembele. It's his decision, they paid the clause and Barca have lost out in football terms. Although they won some things, like what we were sayig about Alba, like with the money and they lost a player in the short term who could make the difference. But Barca is on top and they have recovered, just look at the league and the Champions League. But Neymar is an exceptional player. He is where he wants to be and his decision has to be respected."

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