Luis Figo praises Barcelona’s perfect start but backs Real Madrid to fight on

Luis Figo has praised Barcelona’s outstanding start to the season despite his strong ties to Real Madrid, warning that La Liga could be decided before May if their form continues.

Barcelona have won all seven of their matches, collecting 21 points from 21 and scoring 31 goals. Real Madrid, meanwhile, are six points behind the leaders after one of their poorest starts to a campaign.

Figo, who became a major figure in the rivalry after his controversial move from Barcelona to Real Madrid, said the Catalan club had made an impressive beginning.

“They have started very strongly,” the Portuguese told Spanish radio station Marca. “They are winning, playing well and scoring goals. For Spanish football, that is obviously a good thing.”

However, the former Real Madrid player urged caution, adding: “We have to wait and see how the season develops because it is very long.”

Figo, now an adviser to UEFA and a long-standing Real Madrid supporter, remains confident that his former club can recover and challenge for the title.

“I am sure Real Madrid will compete until the end,” he said.

“This is a competition that demands consistency until May. There will be ups and downs during the season, and when they come, the team must show the maturity and efficiency needed to overcome them.”

Real Madrid were beaten 2-0 by Atletico de Madrid in Sunday’s derby, but Figo said he had not watched the match because he was in Zurich.

He also declined to criticise Jose Mourinho after the Portuguese manager made strong comments about refereeing during his post-match news conference.

“He did what he thought he had to do at that moment,” Figo said. “I do not have to comment on that. I think they are personal actions, and if he did it, it was because he felt that way.”

Figo stays out of Ballon d’Or debate

The voting deadline for the Ballon d’Or is next Monday, but Figo said he had no involvement in the process and did not want to offer a prediction.

“I do not vote, so it is not on my mind,” he said. “The people responsible are the ones who vote, and we have to wait.”

Figo ended the interview by praising Kylian Mbappe, who he said continues to perform at the highest level.

“He is always at a very high level,” Figo said. “He has made us accustomed to him being one of the best players in the world and to scoring goals.”