Harder to play Real Madrid at Camp Nou: Messi

Even though Barcelona have dominated recent El Clasico fixtures against fierce rivals Real Madrid both home and away, captain Lionel Messi admitted it was harder to play Real Madrid at the Camp Nou than the Santiago Bernabeu.

Even during the last El Clasico fixture at the Camp Nou, a Messi-less Barca thumped Real 5-1 with Suarez hitting a hat-trick. But for Messi it was easier to play their rivals away since Real attacked more at the Bernabeu.

“When we play at the Bernabeu, a lot more space is generated,” he told Marca. “They're obliged to come at us more because they're the home team and the fans are pushing for that.

"At Camp Nou, they play a different game, looking more for the counter-attack with quick players in attack. In the Bernabeu, it's face-to-face for 90 minutes. (At Camp Nou) the game is tighter, it's more complicated."

Asked about Zinedine Zidane's return to Madrid and the criticism he's suffered at times, Messi added: “It's surprising but it's been like this for years, especially at big clubs. We know it's normal. People forget quickly what's happened in the past.

“I am sure Zidane knew when he came back that the three Champions League he'd won wouldn't matter and that a lot would be demanded of him from the first day. Players and coaches at the big teams know we're continuously in focus and we live with that.”