There is a growing belief that games between Barcelona and Real Madrid are not what they used to be since Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are no longer involved in them, but this weekend's ElClasico is an absolute must-watch for three reasons.
Check Out: Xavi Reacts To Barca-Vinicius Feud Ahead Of ElClasico
In-form Bellingham's first taste
He is impossible to not admire. Bellingham is producing the goods for arguably the biggest club in the world following his €103 million (R2 billion) arrival at the start of the campaign, form that shows the England international simply has no fear. Barcelona, however, should be concerned about the ex-Borussia Dortmund player, who is proving to be the man for the big occasions despite being just 20 years old! In 12 appearances so far for Los Blancos, Bellingham has scored 11 goals and assisted three more strikes, and will be eager to impress once again when the 14-time UEFA Champions League winners take on Barcelona in what promises to be a feisty affair at the Blaugrana's new home ground for the season. Remember when the footballing world laughed as Birmingham City retired his No. 22 jersey number following his switch to the Bundesliga in 2020? We all owe the Blues an apology!
Barcelona still unbeaten in LALIGA
Despite the Catalan giants' home form against Real not being great under 43-year-old Xavi Hernandez, Barca will be going into Saturday's big game having managed to avoid defeat in their opening 10 LALIGA matches of the season. Xavi's men have picked up seven victories and drawn on three occasions, although they do still trail their rivals on the table by a single point. Carlo Ancelotti's Los Blancos are at the top of the league table with 25 points, after winning eight games, drawing once and losing once. Barca's unbeaten run extends to other competitions too, meanwhile, with the Catalonia-based team having picked up nine points from a possible nine from their first three fixtures in the UEFA Champions League.
Vinicius verbally attacked by rival board member
This week, a member of Barcelona's board, Miguel Camps, caused major controversy online when he took to social media to criticise Vinicius Junior. The Brazilian was once again subjected to alleged racial abuse this past weekend when Real went up against Sevilla in a LALIGA fixture, but it appears Camps believes the Selecao international was provoking a response with what he called "unnecessary and pointless stepovers" in a social media post that has since been deleted. Xavi was asked about Camps' remarks in his latest press conference, and was reluctant to add fuel to the fire, but he should be concerned that those distasteful comments won't come back to bite his team as they prepare for Saturday's game.
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