Former Barcelona standout Ivan Rakitic has endorsed the Catalan giants to secure victory in the UEFA Champions League, while identifying Real Madrid as his top pick for the La Liga title.
Barcelona and Madrid find themselves in a tight race for the title alongside surprise contender Girona. Currently, Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid leads the league with a five-point advantage and a game in hand over their El Clasico rivals in second place.
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Under Xavi’s leadership, Barcelona clinched the title last season, marking their first triumph since 2019. However, their performance has wavered this season, potentially paving the way for Real Madrid to seize the crown.
Rakitic, who claimed four La Liga titles during his tenure with Barcelona, anticipates Real Madrid’s dominance to continue.
The Croatian midfielder told Marca: “Who will win La Liga? Real Madrid.”
Rakitic tipped Barcelona to win Europe’s elite club competition: “Who will win Champions League? Barcelona.”
Real Madrid might have a response to Rakitic’s Champions League forecast. Ancelotti’s side progressed to the quarterfinals with a 2-1 aggregate triumph against Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig.
Defending champions Manchester City also secured their spot in the quarterfinals after a resounding 6-2 aggregate victory over Danish side FC Copenhagen.
Pep Guardiola’s squad could emerge as the frontrunners, having maintained an undefeated record in Europe’s premier club competition this season.
Real Madrid significantly reinforced their lineup last summer by acquiring Jude Bellingham for €103 million from Borussia Dortmund. The English sensation has been a revelation, tallying 20 goals and nine assists in 31 appearances across various competitions.
Under Ancelotti’s guidance, Madrid has assembled a formidable squad blending potential and seasoned expertise. Even at 38 and 34 respectively, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos continue to shine in the latter stages of their illustrious careers.
Rakitic hinted at Madrid’s rebuilding process, suggesting that Barcelona might have rushed their own approach.
He said: “Real Madrid have done everything well, little by little. Modric and Kroos are still there leading the team. Maybe Barcelona have gone too fast.”
Xavi commands a vibrant and dynamic squad at Barcelona. Among his arsenal of talents, 19-year-old Gavi and 21-year-old Pedri stand out as two of Spain’s most promising prospects.
But, Rakitic explained how both players could benefit from playing with more experience: “I’m convinced Gavi and Pedri are going to be the future of Barcelona and Spanish football, but I think that help from us – the old people, as they have called us – would have been good for them.”
