Former Real Madrid Star Toni Kroos Sends Warning to Barcelona Over Style of Play

According to statements reported by 'El Chiringuito' (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Kroos has concerns about Barcelona going all the way in the competition. He pointed to Inter Milan last season in the semi-final, and despite being the more attacking team, they lost out in a high-scoring game.

"Barcelona has one of the most attractive styles of play in Europe... the most attractive in Europe. But they take so many risks that, on a bad day from Pedri, Lamine Yamal, or Raphinha, any team can hurt them and eliminate them from the Champions League."Toni Kroos

Kroos continued:

"It already happened to them last year with Inter Milan (in the Champions League semi-finals) and this year, whether in the round of 16, the quarter-finals, the semi-finals or the final, at some point they will come up against an opponent like that."Toni Kroos

The Germans do not see it as a problem in La Liga, just in the Champions League against Europe's elite. However, Barcelona have already dropped points in two league games this season in their first eight, drawing one and losing recently to Sevilla 4-1.

"This will happen to Barcelona in the Champions League," although "in La Liga I don't think so, because they are very dominant."Toni Kroos

The first El Clasico is on the horizon, set to be played at the end of October. Real Madrid lost all four meetings during the 2024-25 season, two in finals. Xabi Alonso's side looks stronger than the previous season, but on their day, Barca are a force.

The big question for the La Liga champions is whether their top players, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, will be available, as both are currently sidelined with injuries. If they can't get fit in time, Real Madrid will be the favorites for the game.