El Clasico: What Neymar, Ramos, Figo & Others Are Saying About Saturday's Match

Only three points separate Barcelona and Real Madrid ahead of Saturday’s Clasico at Camp Nou, and after nine rounds, both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have eight Primera Division goals.

The stakes, as they always are when archrivals collide, could not be higher, and in the days leading up to the much-anticipated encounter, players and personalities representing both sides have had a thing or two to say about the occasion.

Here are a few of the best quotes.

“I don’t think there is any need to explain what this match is all about. Even though players might never have participated in one, they understand the importance of a game between Barcelona and Real Madrid. A Clasico is the pinnacle for any player. It is the game everyone wants to play in and demonstrate their best football.” (Guardian)

-Neymar, who will be contesting his first Clasico on Saturday.

“Madrid always force you to be at your best. They are playing better and better each time, and will come out here with confidence. We must play well to win. We must keep an eye out for their counter-attacks; they know us perfectly.” (ESPN FC)

-Carles Puyol, who is hoping to be recalled to the starting XI for Saturday’s match.

“When evaluating things ahead of El Clasico, you can’t take the previous match into account. El Clasico is always a game of high intensity. At this level, anything can happen—especially in a Clasico...On Saturday we have a very important game. It will be a huge leap forward if we can win [at Camp Nou].” (Inside Spanish Football)

-Sergio Ramos, who has been playing a part in Clasico matches since arriving at Real Madrid from Sevilla in 2005.

“[Gareth] Bale likes to play on the right, and when he plays he’ll do so on that flank. He’s ready to be a starter...We believe in this system and so we are not going to change it for the Camp Nou. To win, we need to put in our best performance and show all of our quality.” (Marca)

-Carlo Ancelotti, who has hinted Gareth Bale could play from the beginning on Saturday.

“I hope and pray Barcelona win. It’s where I come from. It will be a tough game for both sides.” (Marca)

-Former Barcelona Pep Guardiola.

“I think that in the Clasico it is not always the better team that is assured of victory. Anything can happen because concentration levels are at a higher level. Normally those who are not doing as well will respond in that sense because they cannot afford to go wrong...Barca will dominate because they are playing at home and for the way that they play. And Madrid I hope will find that balance that will allow them to move from defense to attack well—and so that they can win. (Football-Espana)

-Luis Figo, who represented both Barcelona and Real Madrid in Clasico matches.