According to a report from Daily Post Nigeria, on Saturday October 24, 2024, former Real Madrid midfielder Rafael van der Vaart expects his old club to beat Barcelona in Sunday’s El Clásico, predicting that José Mourinho’s side will exploit the hosts’ turnovers.

Speaking to Winwin, Van der Vaart said Barcelona’s attacking approach could leave them vulnerable to counter-attacks.

“Barcelona are playing well, but I think Real Madrid can make the most of their loss of possession. I expect Madrid to punish them.”

Barcelona enter the match at Spotify Camp Nou top of La Liga after winning all nine of their opening games. They hold a six-point lead over Madrid, who sit third.

Van der Vaart believes Madrid’s mentality could prove decisive, describing the team as “a winning machine” whose players fight for their manager and give everything on the pitch.

Barcelona suffered a 4–2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League earlier this week. However, Van der Vaart does not expect that result to shape their Clásico performance, while acknowledging that such a heavy loss is difficult to take.