Speaking to Movistar+, Barcelona summer arrival Raphinha has told Real Madrid that they are the team who need to be careful heading into this weekend’s El Clasico.

Real Madrid host Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday. Carlo Ancelotti’s men are currently trailing their bitter rivals in the La Liga table, level on points but behind on goal difference.

So, apart from the usual pressure that comes with El Clasico, there will also be the added pressure of the top spot in La Liga being on the line.

However, Raphinha reckons that it is Real Madrid who need to be worried heading into the game as Barcelona are at the top of the standings.

“We are the leaders. If there’s a team that needs to be careful, it’s them,” Raphinha said.

While they are yet to lose a single game in La Liga this season, neither team is in the best moment heading into Sunday’s blockbuster clash, with both Real Madrid and Barcelona somewhat losing their momentum after the international break.

Los Blancos go into the contest on the back of a 1-1 draw against Shakhtar Donetsk that helped them qualify for the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League.

Meanwhile, Barcelona played out a 3-3 draw against Inter Milan on Wednesday that left them on the cusp of another group-stage exit from Europe’s premier competition.

Despite the result in midweek, there will be some confidence in the Catalan camp, considering that they had thrashed Los Blancos 4-0 on their last visit to the Spanish capital in March earlier this year.

Needless to say, there will be intense pressure on both teams come Sunday and the atmosphere at the Bernabeu will be like a cauldron. Whoever clinches a win could get an early headway in the title race.