Rakitic: The most special Clasico was the 4-0 win, when Barcelona dominated Real Madrid LaLiga Santander - FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid Croat speaks ahead of Sunday's pivotal clash

In the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, the pressure will be on other players to step up to the mark in Sunday's Clasico, and one of of those could be Ivan Rakitic, who has been reflecting on Barcelona's previous successes over arch rivals Real Madrid.

The Croatian midfielder admits that, despite Real's poor run of form, the Catalans will have to be at the top of their game if they want to beat Los Blancos this weekend.

"It's the biggest game of the season, we know that every match is important, but El Clasico is a very special, very different game," he said in an interview with LaLiga Santander.

"You try to not think too much about it [the magnitude of the occasion], and try to enjoy the game.

"You know that the whole world is watching those 90 minutes and so you have to do your best, leave any other thoughts to the side, and of course go out to win."

Rakitic is set to play in his eleventh Clasico on Sunday and reflected on his two favourite matches against the eternal enemy.

"One special moment that stays with me is the 4-0 win, where I think we were so dominant at the [Estadio Santiago] Bernabeu," he explained.

"We enjoyed it so much, we played so well but it could also be the game that we won 3-2 with the Leo [Messi] goal, where I was also lucky enough to score.

"They are very special games, they stay with you forever and I hope that one day I can tell my kids about these moments."