Bellingham’s Bid to End Barcelona’s Dominance in El Clasico
Jude Bellingham has vowed to “do whatever it takes” to halt Real Madrid’s miserable run against Barcelona when the rivals clash at the Bernabeu this afternoon, reports BritPanorama.
The England midfielder is eager to turn around Los Blancos’ fortunes after they suffered defeats in all four encounters with their Catalan rivals last season, which included a heavy 4-0 loss at the Santiago Bernabeu.
With Real Madrid currently at the top of La Liga and holding a slender two-point lead over second-placed Barcelona, the importance of this match cannot be overstated. Bellingham recognizes the psychological impact of overcoming their fiercest adversary.
“Knowing that you can beat your biggest rival for the title makes you believe that you can have a good season,” Bellingham remarked to Real Madrid TV, aware that today’s game could be a turning point in the championship race.
After a brief but challenging spell away from the pitch due to shoulder surgery in July, Bellingham is back to full fitness and was applauded by the Bernabeu crowd upon his return to action. Although he initially struggled to regain his rhythm, he has steadily recovered his match sharpness with six competitive appearances since September.
The turning point for the 22-year-old came during midweek Champions League action against Juventus, where he scored the decisive goal. “I feel very good and happy — finally back on the pitch,” he declared, expressing confidence in his physical condition.
Bellingham’s exclusion from England’s October fixtures against Wales and Latvia has further fueled his determination to excel. Despite having 44 international caps and being named England men’s player of the year, he was left out of the latest squad as manager Thomas Tuchel emphasized continuity and promised further discussions before the November window.
Today’s match also provides Bellingham with a platform for redemption, especially with over 650 million viewers expected worldwide. He is keen to prove his worth as one of England’s top talents in Spanish football amidst high expectations.
Understanding Real Madrid’s emotional fragility in past encounters, Bellingham highlighted the importance of maintaining composure throughout the match. “A big part of it is managing the game, the moment, the emotions,” he explained, noting that controlling nerves and handling pressure will be pivotal in determining the outcome this afternoon.
In contrast, Barcelona faces significant injury setbacks, with key players like Robert Lewandowski, Dani Olmo, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen unavailable. Manager Hansi Flick will watch the action from the stands due to a touchline ban, leaving assistant Marcus Sorg to bring the strategy to life from the sideline.
Bellingham’s record against Barcelona is impressive, having scored three times in four appearances against them. This season, he aims to replicate the success that made him a fan favorite at the Bernabeu.
As he steps onto the pitch for this highly anticipated encounter, the stakes are high—not just for the title race, but for his own career in La Liga. The outcome of this match will resonate beyond the pitch, making it a moment to remember in both the domestic and international arenas.
Ultimately, victories in El Clasico feel monumental, a sentiment echoed by Real supporter Carlos Campillo, who remarked that winning against Barcelona is akin to clinching a trophy. For Bellingham, today’s match represents not only a competitive challenge but a vital stepping-stone in his rising career.
