Champions League

Figo forecasts thrills aplenty in latest Clásico

Former Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona winger Luís Figo tells UEFA.com why he expects the Liga rivals' UEFA Champions League semi-final tie to "go down in the history books".

The UEFA Champions League semi-final between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona is set to capture the imagination of the footballing world, yet for one man this mouthwatering tie will provoke a unique range of emotions.
Luís Figo excelled for both clubs during his glittering playing career, winning a pair of Liga titles and a European trophy with each. His switch from Barcelona to the Santiago Bernabéu in 2000 remains one of the most talked-about transfers in history, arousing a combination of disbelief in Catalonia and joy in the capital. Including the pulsating UEFA Champions League semi-final contest in 2001/02, the former Portugal captain has been involved in more than his share of memorable Clásicos.
Nobody therefore is better placed to evoke the modern-day rivalry than the 38-year-old. With the first leg taking place in Madrid on Wednesday, Figo told UEFA.com why he expects the latest heavyweight bout to be every bit as intense as the ones he featured in. "These are matches that will always be remembered," he said.
"They take place every year but they're remembered due to the history behind the fixture. There's a great rivalry between these clubs for football and also social reasons. That's why the rivalry is so big, but it's important to stress that it's only a football match and people need to look at it in that sense. The stronger team on the day will win."