Jurgen Klopp believes Barcelona are currently the stronger team heading into Sunday's El Clasico, backing Hansi Flick's side to hold the advantage over Real Madrid despite their contrasting Champions League results.
The German coach will be watching the clash at Spotify Camp Nou, where Barcelona have the opportunity to consolidate their position at the top of La Liga and extend their six-point lead over their fiercest rivals with a win.
The former Liverpool manager also explained why he previously favoured Barcelona when watching the rivalry, highlighting his dislike of Real Madrid's defensive style during the era of Pepe.
Klopp now sees himself as a neutral observer, but his assessment of the teams' current form gives Barcelona a clear endorsement ahead of a fixture that could have a major influence on the title race.
Klopp confirmed that El Clasico is a fixture he has followed throughout his life, regardless of where his career has taken him.
His past preference for Barcelona, however, was influenced by his reaction to Madrid's defensive approach during some of the rivalry's most heated encounters.
"Of course I'll watch El Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid. I've watched this game at every stage of my life.
"In the past, I was more of a Barcelona supporter because I used to hate it when Pepe and the other defenders used to clear everything out of the way back then.
"That's the only reason I always supported Barça. These days, I watch it with a neutral perspective.
"Today, I support the better team. And looking at things at the moment, that is probably Barcelona," he told Buli News.
Barcelona head into El Clasico with a six-point lead over Real Madrid, adding further significance to the encounter.
A victory at home would enable Flick's side to widen that gap and increase the pressure on their rivals early in the campaign.
However, Barcelona's preparations have not been entirely smooth, as they suffered their first defeat of the season against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. The French side exposed defensive vulnerabilities and secured a 4-2 win.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, approach the weekend following a 4-1 victory over RB Leipzig in Europe.
The result provides the visitors with a confidence boost and offers a contrasting picture to the league standings, where Barcelona remain in the stronger position.