Real Madrid and Barcelona are set to renew their rivalry ahead of Sunday's monumental El Clasico clash at the Santiago Bernabeu. Ronald Araujo, expected to start for the Catalans in defence, was lavish in his praise for Vinicius Junior and credited the Brazilian for bringing "the best out of me". The duo's matchup has been one of the themes of Madrid and Barca's encounters over the past few seasons.
Real Madrid will look to get over the horrors of the 2024-25 season
El Clasico is hands down the biggest club rivalry in Spanish football. An argument can also be made for the Real Madrid-Barcelona rivalry being the most high-voltage rivalry in world football. The two teams will lock horns for the first time in the 2025-26 season on Saturday at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Last season, Los Blancos met their eternal rivals four times across all competitions. While their inability to secure major silverware was already a major concern, it can be said that their poor performances against the Catalans that truly compounded their disappointment. Their first meeting, in October 2024 at the Bernabeu, resulted in a heavy 4-0 loss. A similarly humiliating drubbing was handed in the Supercopa de Espana final, with Hansi Flick's men emerging victors after beating Madrid 5-2. The next two games reflected that Madrid put in a more spirited performance, but the gulf in quality was as big as one could possibly imagine in those Copa del Rey final (3-2) and La Liga (4-3) losses.
Things have changed since the end of last season. Madrid appointed Xabi Alonso, who has managed to win 15 games out of the 18 he has been in charge since taking over, 11 of those coming in the 12 games this season. The hosts, buoyed by home support, will be hoping to exact revenge. It's a game that holds great importance for Alonso and his coaching staff. A loss would result in his project taking a few steps back, but a win would go a long way in lifting the spirits and having a positive psychological effect that will linger for the rest of the season.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesAraujo 'loves' rival Vinicius Jr
One of the most important matchups heading into Sunday's Clasico could potentially be the duel involving Barca centre-back Araujo and Madrid winger Vini Jr. Both players have been in and out of the lineup this season, but are expected to land a starting berth in their respective XIs at the weekend.
Speaking to ahead of the clash, Araujo said: "Vinicius is a truly spectacular player. Every game with him is a test. Whenever we played each other, he was very professional. He brings out the best in you. The greats do that. He brings out the best in everyone in those duels. It requires the highest level of skill from you. Only high-level players can unlock the opponent's potential in such duels.
"I love players like Vinicius. Bold, confrontational. He is always active on the field, always thinking about victory. I don't pay attention to what he says off the pitch. What matters is what he does on the pitch."
Vinicius Jr's record against Barcelona in numbers
The 25-year-old made his first appearance against Barcelona during the 2018–19 season, his debut campaign after joining from Brazilian club Flamengo. Since then, he has faced La Blaugrana 21 times – more than any other opponent in his career. In matches featuring Vini, Real Madrid have recorded 10 wins, 10 losses, and one draw against their arch-rivals. His seven goals against Barca rank as the third-highest tally he has scored versus any team, complemented by six assists.
Getty/GOALMadrid & Barca hampered by injuries
The two giants of Spanish football will head into the game on Sunday with a mounting injury list. Flick will be without the services of Robert Lewandowski (thigh injury), Joan Garcia (torn meniscus followed by knee operation), Gavi (meniscus issue followed by surgery), Dani Olmo (calf injury), and Marc-Andre ter Stegen (lower back surgery). Raphinha, who was initially a doubt for the Clasico but showed signs of recovery, has also been effectively ruled out after missing the team training on Friday.
On the other hand, Real Madrid are sweating over the fitness of centre-back Dean Huijsen, right-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal, and midfielder Dani Ceballos. All four players completed team training sessions on Friday and are likely to be called up by Alonso. However, it remains to be seen if either of them are given a spot in the starting XI. Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba have been sidelined and will not be available for selection.
