Former Barcelona and Real Madrid winger Luis Figo has offered his thoughts on how Jose Mourinho could limit Lamine Yamal’s influence when the Spanish giants meet in Sunday’s El Clasico.

Speaking on a Betfair programme, Figo discussed the Barcelona teenager’s qualities, Mourinho’s potential defensive approach and his expectations for the eagerly anticipated encounter. According to Barca Universal on Thursday, October 22, 2026, the former Ballon d’Or winner predicted a 2-2 draw, backing Yamal, Raphinha, Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham to find the net.

Figo also joked that Yamal’s emergence on Barcelona’s right wing might have forced him to change positions had they played together. The former Portugal international occupied the same flank during his career, making the comparison particularly interesting.

Reflecting on his playing days, Figo expressed confidence that he possessed the quality to earn a starting place for either team. He also recalled joining Barcelona as a young footballer at a time when restrictions on foreign players influenced squad selection and limited opportunities for some players.

Having worked with Mourinho at Inter Milan, Figo believes the Portuguese tactician would be unlikely to assign one Real Madrid player the sole responsibility of marking Yamal throughout the match. Instead, he expects Madrid’s defenders and midfielders to pay particular attention whenever the young winger moves into dangerous attacking positions.

Figo anticipates an entertaining contest in which both sides create scoring opportunities. He believes Barcelona’s aggressive pressing and attacking style could leave gaps for Madrid to exploit, particularly through Mbappe’s pace and Bellingham’s forward runs from midfield.

The former winger also suggested Mourinho could have succeeded as Barcelona manager because of his familiarity with the club’s footballing philosophy. Their professional relationship developed during their time at Barcelona, where they worked under Bobby Robson and Louis van Gaal.

Figo separately described his experience working with former Barcelona coach Johan Cruyff as remarkable. He also praised Brazilian great Ronaldo Nazario, insisting that the striker remains exceptional despite comparisons with contemporary forwards such as Mbappe and Raphinha.

Discussing the possibility of another high-profile transfer directly between Barcelona and Real Madrid, Figo suggested that such a move would be difficult because of substantial transfer fees and release clauses. Nevertheless, he identified Rodri as a player whose qualities and style could suit either club.

Figo also reflected on his record of scoring four goals in El Clasico encounters. Despite missing the opportunity to play at Camp Nou during the 2002 Champions League semi-final, he maintained that he would not change anything about his career.

His comments add another perspective to the build-up to Sunday's showdown, with Madrid seeking to contain Barcelona’s attacking threats while finding ways to exploit spaces behind their opponents’ high defensive line.