Barcelona winger sends out warning to Real Madrid ahead of El Clasico | OneFootball

Barcelona winger Raphinha has issued a warning to arch-rivals Real Madrid ahead of the first El Clasico of the 2022/23 La Liga season this weekend.

The biggest fixture of the Spanish football calendar will go down this Sunday as Real Madrid host Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu.

It will be a top-of-the-table clash, as Barça and Real occupy the top two positions in the La Liga standings, respectively, with the Catalans ahead of their eternal rivals on goal difference.

And a win here would take them three points clear, handing Xavi Hernandez’s side an early edge in the title race.

In the lead-up to the game, Barcelona’s new signing Raphinha has issued a major warning to Real Madrid, stating that the reigning champions of Spain and Europe need to be worried heading into the blockbuster encounter.

Speaking to Movistar+, the Brazilian winger said: “We are the leaders. If there is any team that must be careful, it is them.”

Judging by his words, it seems like Raphinha is confident heading into El Clasico despite what happened on Wednesday against Inter Milan.

Barcelona were held to a 3-3 draw by the Nerazzurri in the UEFA Champions League, leaving them on the brink of elimination from the competition.

Following the game, captain Sergio Busquets had admitted that the result could affect the team’s mindset heading into the Clasico on Sunday afternoon.

“It is clear to me that this result will affect us for El Clasico,” the veteran midfielder had said.

However, Raphinha, who will be playing in his first competitive El Clasico, seems to have left the Inter Milan debacle behind and is ready to dive into the clash against Real Madrid.

The Brazilian’s form has tapered down in recent weeks after a bright start to life at Barcelona. And Xavi & co. will be hoping that he finds his mojo back at the Bernabeu this weekend.