Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos admitted on Tuesday that his side fear Leo Messi more than any other player in the Barcelona squad.

Real Madrid entertains Barcelona on Saturday night in the 'Classico' , the match most observers beleive will determine the destination of the Primera Liga title.

Madrid's Gonzalo Higuain is enjoying a brilliant season for his club with 24 goals this campaign, but Higuain still trails Barca striker Messi, who leads the goalscoring charts after having scored 26 times in the Primera Liga this campaign.

Speaking in sports paper Marca, Ramos admitted Messi was the player he and his companions would be following closer than anyone.

"Messi is their most in form player, not just now, because he has been showing his form for various years now," said the defender. "You have to take your hat off to him, because he is a player who makes the difference. If Barcelona has a good or bad game, Messi continues to be decisive and his high level of play. He is the Barcelona player to fear the most," added Ramos.

The defender was suspended for last Sunday's 2-0 win away to Racing Santander after finishing a five-card cycle, but that means he is now free to play in the key game of the season.

"We are at the part of the season when the points difference between us and Barcelona is minimal (both have 77 points) and any error can cost you the league title. We are looking forward to this 'Classico' and I think it is going to be the key to who will win the title," said Ramos.

"We have to be strong, try and use the wings with the fast players we have and keep the ball, while making as few errors as possible in defense," he concluded.