Araujo’s measured take aims to calm the Clasico storm between Barcelona and Real Madrid

Clasico Spotlight: Araujo’s measured words ahead of Real Madrid clash

Spanish media reports suggested that the Uruguayan defender Ronald Araujo of Barcelona could start in the Clasico scheduled for Sunday at the Santiago Bernabéu, though it remains unclear whether he will begin at right-back (due to Jules Conde's absence from yesterday and today's training) or at center-back.

Araujo believes Barcelona is capable of winning again (they won all four of last season's matches) even though he expects a closely contested clash with Real Madrid.

Speaking to Marca, he said about Real Madrid: "It's a great team, with very high-quality players."

On Vinícius Júnior, the Madrid star, the Barça defender commented: "I only see what he does on the pitch, he's an amazing player, he makes you bring out your best, great players do that to you, he brings out the best in every opponent in those one-on-one duels."

"I like players who have courage and face opponents like Vinícius; what is said off the pitch is personal, I don't give it much importance; the important thing is what he does on the pitch and that he plays football."

He also spoke about the Clasico: "It will be a hard match, a beautiful and important one, and that's why there is always some anxiety that accompanies it; it generates motivation, but I think we enjoyed the Clasico, and things went well, and that's what we must do."

On his goal in the 2022-23 season, he said: "The goal I scored in the 0-4 win was a very beautiful day." About the team's current form: "We arrive with good dynamics, we have a squad capable of competing, and we have the conditions and quality to win."

The Barça defender also praised Lamine Yamal's talent: "He is extremely professional, trains well, and what he does in matches he does in training: he runs, he scores, there are many outside debates, but the most important is what he does on the pitch, when he trains and when he plays, I see him as very good, extremely professional, he is young and under a lot of pressure because he is one of the best players in the world, he is an amazing player and person."

He finished his remarks about Fermín López: "Fermin is amazing, very dynamic, has a goalscoring instinct, he is very important to us and we are happy he stays."

Rifts between Barca and Madrid ahead of Clasico

With Sunday’s Clasico approaching, which will decide La Liga's top spot, it will also reveal the true state of the strained relationship between the clubs' administrations.

Marca notes there will be no lunch for the managers, only what is described as an "executive directors meeting" to formalize usual procedures; but the mood will lack any celebration of past friendships or joint moments, especially on the economic front.

While the game's time (4:15 pm Spain time) doesn’t allow a traditional lunch, this timing suits keeping everything to an informal stand-up style, and both presidents are expected to share the front row in the VIP section.

Reasons behind the tense atmosphere

The relationship between Real Madrid and Barcelona is at its worst in years, after periods of close ties; distance and coolness define the daily dynamic between the clubs.

What happened in the last two weeks intensified matters, notably Joan Laporta’s appearance at the European Club Association General Assembly, which Barcelona views as Real Madrid’s interference in a Miami friendly, which was canceled and subsequently halted.

Many Barcelona supporters feel these events have returned the relationship to its "natural" place, i.e., direct and public competition.

Barcelona has not officially confirmed an exit from the Super League and has not yet joined the European Club Association, currently led by Nasser Al-Khelaifi.

Yamal’s remarks about Real Madrid

Additionally, Lamin Yamal's remarks accusing Real Madrid of "stealing and then complaining" did not sit well within Real Madrid, causing notable friction in the locker room.

Real Madrid officials feel the young Spaniard crossed a line, especially ahead of what should be football’s greatest showcase.

This suggests Sunday’s Clasico will be more than a pitch battle; it will reflect a cooling rift between the clubs’ governing bodies.

Note: This is a translation of the original report and reflects the media framing around the Clasico narrative.

Punchline 1: If Clasico drama were a sniper, the headlines would be a sharper aim than any goal—and somehow, we’d still want more ammo for the post-match analysis.

Punchline 2: In football, every rivalry needs a good excuse; luckily, these two have a whole file cabinet full of them, and somehow they still manage to play a great game anyway.