El Clasico is one of Europe's fiercest rivalries, as players who have been involved in the game for Barcelona or Real Madrid would testify.
With another edition now upon us, two former protagonists, Marcelo and Jordi Alba, were asked to share their predictions for Sunday's game at the Spotify Camp Nou.
Real Madrid legend Marcelo tipped Los Blancos for a tight win, while former Barcelona star Jordi Alba backed Hansi Flick's side to claim a resounding victory.
Barcelona sit six points ahead of their rivals in the standings, having won all nine of their La Liga games so far this term.
Alba's bold call vs. Marcelo's modest Real Madrid prediction
Appearing in a joint feature for DAZN, Marcelo and Alba spoke about Sunday's El Clasico and the promise the high-stakes clash holds.
The former left-backs were asked to share their predictions ahead of the game, and they each leaned into their historical club loyalties.
Marcelo was modest in his expectations, pointing to a narrow win for his former side. Alba, on the other hand, was not as modest, as he predicted a huge win for the reigning La Liga champions, which drew laughter from the Brazilian.
Marcelo: "El Clasico? I hope it’ll be a good game. 1-0 or 2-1 win [for Real Madrid].”
Alba: “4-1 win for Barcelona.”
Marcelo: “And here I was being all humble saying 1-0 or 2-1, and you say 4-1 (laughs).”
Marcelo featured in 31 official El Clásico encounters during his trophy-laden Real Madrid tenure, whereas Alba appeared in 29 matches, contributing 6 assists for Barcelona.
What does the form book say ahead of El Clasico?
Barcelona are clear favourites, judging by their flawless domestic form since the start of the season.
La Blaugrana have won all nine games in the league this season, scoring 39 goals and conceding just nine times.
Their flaws were however laid bare in the UEFA Champions League in mid-week, as they suffered a 4-2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, their first loss this season.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, have been quite inconsistent under Jose Mourinho, who was brought in over the summer to deliver silverware.
They have won seven and lost two of their nine games in the league, dropping points against Real Betis and Atletico Madrid.
The last ten league meetings between the sides have yielded five wins apiece, and they have not drawn any of their last 24 meetings across all competitions.
The league leaders are favourites to win the game, but even their manager Hansi Flick acknowledged the peril that would come with underestimating Mourinho's side.
