With the Clasico fast approaching, a player who competed for Real Madrid in football's most decorated fixture, Christian Karembeu, has given his thoughts on Sunday's pivotal encounter and made a rather daring comparison.
The former France international, in an interview with Sportium, revealed that he thinks Mariano could be the answer to Los Blancos' goalscoring problems in the post-Cristiano Ronaldo era.
"Mariano could be the new Cristiano, but he must believe in himself," he said.
"He is quick, has an eye for goal and good movement.
"Benzema could also be the Pichichi but it's a collective job.
"Madrid played for Cristiano but have to find another way of playing and use the talent they have.
"Now we [Real Madrid] don't have a goalscorer.
"Cristiano won the Pichichi and now we are looking for another."
The ex-player, who also enjoyed spells in France, Italy, England, Greece and Switzerland, went on to have his say on the current situation that Real Madrid find themselves in.
"What is happening is not just the players' fault, it's a collective issue," he explained.
"The players are dealing with the arrival of a new coach after winning many titles and it's normal that there are doubts and anxiety."
Karembeu spoke about Sergio Ramos' current dip in form and also the players who are set to make their first ever Clasico appearance.
"Sergio isn't there," he continued.
"When he stands out with an incredible performance, he gives the team rhythm with his leadership.
"Ramos drives Real Madrid.
"[Thibaut] Courtois and Arthur still have to adapt to their teams and to the Clasico.
"Malcom is a good player but it's not easy for him because [Ousmane] Dembele is there."
The ex-Real midfielder finished by reflecting on the sheer magnitude of the fixture and his memories of it.
"I was surprised when we arrived for the first time at the Camp Nou," he continued.
"They threw stones at the bus and I didn't understand it.
"I drew the curtains back to see Barcelona and then... boom.
"They through stones and surprised me."