Real Madrid legend Raul believes his former club are the favourites to win this Sunday’s Clasico but accepts they will have to keep a close eye on “great player” Lamine Yamal.
Raul, who made 741 appearances for Madrid over 16 trophy-laden years, is confident they can edge the first meeting with Barcelona this season with Xabi Alonso’s men going into the game with a two-point advantage at the top of La Liga.
“I don’t think it matters how you get there, a Clasico is always a special game,” he told EFE.
“I think that Real Madrid, playing at home and being in front of their fans are a slight favourite, but they are going to find a great team in front of them.”
De Jong worry for Barcelona
The visitors have a few injury worries – midfielder Frenkie de Jong missed training this morning – and will rely heavily on Yamal to spearhead their attack.
Like Raul, the 18-year-old has made a huge impact early in his career but the challenge now is to remain at the level that has made him one of the best players in the world.
Raul added: ”He is a great player, he is breaking many barriers, and on the field he is doing things that very few have done. He is very young and now he has to consolidate everything he is doing.
“I think he can be a very important player for his club right now and also for the Spanish national team.”
Flick has options alongside Yamal
Yamal will definitely start at the Bernabeu but who plays alongside him remains in doubt.
Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo are injured, meaning boss Hansi Flick – who will serve a one-game touchline ban at the weekend – has to choose from Marcus Rashford and fit-again duo Ferran Torres and Raphinha to occupy the other places in attack.
