Clásico: a Barça starter puts rivalry aside and bows to Kylian Mbappé!

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·10 Oktober 2025

Clásico: a Barça starter puts rivalry aside and bows to Kylian Mbappé!

As El Clásico approaches, Barcelona’s young center-back Pau Cubarsí opened up to the Spanish daily AS, reflecting on the daunting challenges that await him against Real Madrid. He openly acknowledged the difficulty of facing certain Madrid stars, and especially Kylian Mbappé:

"As a center-back, it's harder for me to stop Mbappé than Bellingham. He's fast, he finishes with his very first touch, and he can score at any moment."

For the La Masia academy product, the French international represents a rare blend of physical and technical challenge.

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Speaking about the Clásico on the 26th, Cubarsí emphasized the unique significance of this showdown:

"It will surely be the same again, because the Clásico is football’s greatest rivalry. We all dream of playing in this match—always decisive and unpredictable, no matter which team is on top."

He also highlighted just how decisive these clashes can be in the title race:

"Even though La Liga is a long campaign, Clásicos almost always decide the championship. Madrid are in great form, but I believe this will work in Barça’s favor."