Figo on the El Clásico: Real Madrid will win 3:1

Luis Figo, a legendary player who played for both FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, made a bold prediction for the season's first El Clásico, which will be held at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium this Sunday. 

The Portuguese player expressed confidence in a decisive victory for Real Madrid: "I think Real Madrid will win 3-1. They're playing at home, which is always important. It will also be a fantastic result, with many goals and a fantastic match," he commented.

Last season, Barça dominated the head-to-head clashes: four Clásicos, four wins. The Blaugrana won the League at both the Bernabéu (0-4) and Montjuïc (4-3), repeated their success in the Super Cup (2-5), and won again in the Copa del Rey final (3-2 after extra time). A resounding record: 16 goals for Barça and just seven for Real Madrid.

In Figo's opinion, this precedent should serve as an incentive for Xabi Alonso's men: "If Madrid focuses on what happened last year, they'll use it as motivation. But every season starts from scratch, with new signings and different goals. In a Clásico, there's never a clear favorite," he explained. For the 2000 Ballon d'Or winner, the status of both teams before the match hardly matters: "It's a special match, no matter how you arrive. Maybe the home team has a bit more favoritism, but that doesn't guarantee anything."

His experience allows him to speak with perspective about both institutions. “Zidane would have fit in perfectly at Barça,” he reflected. “And on the other hand, players like Puyol, Sergio, or even Guardiola would have performed well at Madrid. They are footballers of enormous talent and character, capable of adapting to any environment.”

Figo also reviewed the development of several former teammates who have become successful managers. “I didn't expect it from Zidane, given his personality. But he won everything as a player and as a coach. Others, like Guardiola or Luis Enrique, already had the soul of coaches when they played,” he noted.

The Portuguese also asserted that his move from Barça to Real Madrid did not generate any personal animosity. “There was rivalry, but always within a framework of respect. There was never any intention to cause harm,” he emphasized.

If he could choose his dream Clásico, he admitted: "I would love to play in the Champions League final between Barcelona and Real Madrid... and, of course, I could win. It would be a very significant match." Figo played in 23 Clásicos in his career, 13 with Barcelona and 10 with Real Madrid, with a record of 9 wins, 8 draws, and 6 losses. He scored four goals, three at the Camp Nou and one at the Bernabéu, all at home.

Figo also fondly recalled a special coincidence: "I played for both teams during their centenaries. I keep those shirts because they are very beautiful and represent a very happy time in my life," he concluded.