Raúl On El Clasíco, Messi And Liverpool

Raúl believes that the game between Barcelona and Real Madrid will be very tight next weekend and heaped praise on Lionel Messi and Samuel Eto'o.

Los Merengues' captain is relishing the prospect of playing in Camp Nou on Sunday and thinks that it will be a very open encounter with either side able to win.

As to which side should be considered favourites, Raúl said that both Barça and Madrid have their reasons to think that they have will have the upper hand.

"In principle, we go into the game in a better position as we are four points above them, but it will be a wide open game," he explained.

"Besides, in theory, the team that is at home has the advantage because of the atmosphere that is created.

"I will play as if it is my final game. Last year we deserved to win and I think that they would agree with that."

"There is a lot of tension surrounding the game and I do not remember anything about my first visit there, but now I go feeling more relaxed and better prepared mentally."

Although Messi is set to miss the encounter after picking up an injury last weekend, Raúl revealed that he is a big fan of the skilful Argentinian.

"Messi is a superb player, but I do not like to compare him because he is still very young and will bring joy to his club and to his country," he said.

"He is able to do different thing and there is nobody like him in the world. Everyone enjoys watching a player with such speed and balance and his ability to carry the ball and beat players."

"We are taking about one of the best players in the world and I congratulated him last year after he scored a hat-trick against us."

Messi may be unavailable, but the return to action of Eto'o could give Barça an edge that they have missed since the Cameroonian striker injured his knee in August, Raúl believes.

"Eto'o is fundamental to them. They will probably recover some of the things that may have been missing," he continued.

Finally, the Madrid striker looked ahead to the Champions League draw and explained that he fancies pitting wits against Liverpool and Rafa Benítez.

"Playing Liverpool would be very interesting because they have a Spanish coach and Spanish players," he concluded.