Xavi: 'Clasicos are 50/50 games'

Former Barcelona midfielder Xavi has said that Luis Enrique's table-toppers will not necessarily enter next weekend's El Clasico as the favourites to overcome Real Madrid.

Barcelona will go into the fixture three points clear of Los Blancos at the top of the La Liga table and potentially with a fit Lionel Messi returning to the team.

However, Real Madrid have only lost once in all competitions this season, and Xavi is certain that it will be a tough game for his former club.

"Given the last round of matches, Barcelona seem to be reaching [the Clasico] in the best shape, but in a Clasico you never know what will happen," he told Marca.

"There isn't a favourite and [people] will see a good show. Despite their defeat at Sevilla, I think Madrid come [into the game] in good shape. Barcelona are in extraordinary form, even without Messi. The team are doing great, with a maximum desire to compete."

Xavi made 767 appearances for Barcelona between 1998 and 2015 before moving on to Qatari side Al Sadd.