LONDON: Jude Bellingham will “do whatever it takes” to steer Real Madrid to victory over Barcelona in the first Clasico of the season tomorrow, PA Media/dpa reported.
With Real top of La Liga and Barca just two points behind in second, there is plenty on the line at the Bernabeu as the country’s biggest sides reprise their rivalry.
Last season it was Barca who dominated the famous fixture, winning all four meetings across all competitions including a thumping 4-0 away win the corresponding game.
That came after Real won the previous season’s three meetings, but England international Bellingham, back to full fitness after a disrupted start to the campaign, will be going all out the end his side’s recent unhappy sequence.
“I think everyone understands that goals and victories in these matches mean a little more, because they prepare you emotionally and mentally for the rest of the season,” he told Real Madrid TV.
“Knowing that you can beat your biggest rival for the title makes you believe that you can have a good season. I felt that way in my first year. We want to feel that again, and that’s why it’s so important to win.
“I’m strong and positive, probably in my best physical shape in a long time. I’m ready to give my all and do whatever it takes for the team to win and continue the momentum they had built up while I was away. Hopefully I can continue to play well, enjoy myself and win.”
The 22-year-old accepts Real made mistakes last season and wants to see an improvement in how they tackle the occasion.
“A big part of it is managing the game, the moment, the emotions,” he said.
“Last year, when we found ourselves behind in some games, it affected us too much and we let the game slip away. Now it’s about staying mentally stable for the full 90 minutes.
“The key is managing everything else well: the nerves, the pressure, the atmosphere… which is going to be huge. It’s these details that can make the difference.”
Barca’s recent dominance over Real is not lost on Bellingham’s midfield counterpart Pedri, who is looking to meet the high bar the Catalonians set in 2024-25.
“I think last season we were incredible. We have to get back to that level,” he said.
“There’s always room for improvement, but we should remember that last year we managed to win all the Clasicos and hopefully we can do the same this year. We’ll try to dominate and control the game.”
That optimism is tempered by a growing injury list, with Dani Olmo, Robert Lewandowski, Gavi, Joan Garcia, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen all out. Raphinha is also a major doubt, while Jules Kounde’s recent absence from training raised questions over his participation.
Meanwhile, head coach Hansi Flick has been banned from the touchline following his dismissal against Girona, leaving assistant Marcus Sorg to lead on the sidelines.
“Of course I’d love to have everyone available, the coach and the team would too,” said Pedri.
“But those of us who are fit will give everything and fight for the three points.” – BERNAMA
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