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Barcelona are set to make the trip to Santiago Bernabeu to face Real Madrid next in La Liga on October 26.
Apart from the significance of the Clasico, this upcoming clash is also a crucial game for both sides, given that Los Blancos are top of the league table with just a two-point difference from second-place Barca after nine matches.
Real Madrid failed to secure a victory in all four matches against Barcelona last season, making the game on Sunday a much-needed win for Los Blancos.
Now, ahead of the Clasico, Barcelona star Ronald Araujo has heaped praise on Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr., referring to the Brazilian as 'a truly spectacular player,' and told Movistar Plus,
"Vinicius is a truly spectacular player. Every game with him is a test. Whenever we played each other, he was very professional. He brings out the best in you. The greats do that," as per GOAL.
The Uruguayan defender went on to say that Vinicius 'brings out the best in everyone,' and added,
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"He brings out the best in everyone in those duels. It requires the highest level of skill from you. Only high-level players can unlock the opponent's potential in such duels."
"I love players like Vinicius. Bold, confrontational. He is always active on the field, always thinking about victory. I don't pay attention to what he says off the pitch. What matters is what he does on the pitch."
Araujo has started in six out of the nine appearances he has made for Barcelona this season, during which the defender has also netted two goals.
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick set to miss first El Clasico of the season
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick was sent off in their previous league match against Girona last week.
Flick was shown two yellow cards in quick succession by referee Gil Manzano over the German manager's protests against some of his decisions in the match. Barca then filed an appeal to overturn the red card.
However, the Administrative Court for Sport (TAD) has rejected the Catalan club's appeal after the Appeals Committee upheld the Disciplinary Committee's original decision over Flick's booking.
With this rejection, Flick will now have to serve the suspension and will not be on the touchline at Santiago Bernabeu in Barca's first meeting with Real Madrid of the 2025/26 campaign.
In his absence, Flick's assistant Marcus Sorg will be leading the squad from the touchline on Sunday, along with making in-game decisions and conducting the pre-match press conference at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper on Saturday.
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