Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta believes his ex-club has the capabilities to win El Clasico and La Liga this season despite the club's struggles.

Contrary to popular belief, Iniesta thinks that this season's Barcelona side can beat Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid in the upcoming El Clasico, and more importantly, he believes the team has what it takes to win La Liga altogether.

Via Alex Kirkland and Fernando Palomo of ESPN:

“I think Barca fans are always optimistic, even more so for the Clasico,” Iniesta told ESPN. “They will be looking forward to the game, their team playing well and winning. Barca have the team to win the Clasico and LaLiga. I hope they play well and get the three points.”

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Barcelona is coming off back-to-back wins this week after defeating Valencia 3-1, and Dynamo Kyiv 1-0 to score their first points of the UEFA Champions League group stage. The team has someone been rejuvenated with the return of key forwards Ansu Fati and Sergio Aguero.

Real Madrid still looks like the better side after trashing Shaktar Donetsk 5-0 in their Champions League match prior to the Clasico this weekend.

Star striker Karim Benzema also continues on his stellar form this season after finding the net yet again for Los Blancos, extending his tally to 11 goals in 11 games across La Liga and the Champions League. He'll be keen to put immense pressure on Barca's lackluster defense this weekend.

A bold prediction indeed from Andres Iniesta, but if anyone would know about Barcelona's chances this season, it would be him.