Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham has fired an ominous warning to his England team-mate Marcus Rashford, saying he’s back to his best physical condition and relishing playing in El Clasico. Real lead Barcelona by two points at the top of La Liga ahead of the hotly-anticipated clash at the Bernabeu, with more than just bragging rights at stake.

Stop-start season so far for Bellingham

Bellingham has battled with injury at Real Madrid while navigating a strained relationship with England boss Thomas Tuchel in recent months. A summer shoulder surgery meant Bellingham missed the start of the season in Spain, making only a few substitute appearances early on. He has recently found form, scoring his first Champions League goal of the season in a victory against Juventus. His situation with England became fraught following controversial comments by Tuchel in June, who described some of Bellingham's on-field antics as "repulsive," later apologizing. Tensions escalated in October when Tuchel omitted Bellingham from the squad for World Cup qualifiers, citing Bellingham's lack of match rhythm. But the former Borussia Dortmund star can put all those worries behind him with a positive performance againstdeadly rivals Barcelona. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportImportance of El Clasico

Ahead of the match, Bellingham said: “It's probably one of the biggest matches in the world. As a kid, I watched them all; I grew up following them. I've played in a few of them. I've had some great moments and some tougher ones, but it's an incredible match to play, especially at home, and I'm really looking forward to it. "In England, everyone recognises that this is one of the biggest matches in the world. There are big classics and derbies there, but even there, everyone is aware of what  this match means. Because of the level we've seen over the years, the pressure, the demands, the quality of the players, and the level of play at stake every time. I grew up there, but that doesn't change my perspective: on the contrary, I respect it even more. So yes, it's important that we get the win."

Bellingham firing on all cylinders

Bellingham is feeling positive about his fitness after early-season struggles, he said: "I feel very good and happy. Finally back on the pitch. In the last few games before the break, and then against Getafe and Juve, I started to feel better, closer to my best form. I'm strong and positive, probably in the best physical condition I've been in a long time. I'm ready to contribute and give whatever it takes for the team to win and continue the momentum they'd already created while I was away. I hope I can continue playing well, enjoying ourselves, and winning." He added: "A very important part is managing the match, the moment, emotions, and certain details that make all the difference. Last year, when we found ourselves behind in some matches, it affected us too much, and we let the game slip away. Now it's about staying mentally stable throughout the 90 minutes. Tactically, we know how they play and how we want to play. So the key is managing the rest well: the nerves, the pressure, the atmosphere… which will be huge. It's these details that can make the difference."

AFPAll eyes on the Bernabeu

A blockbuster El Clasico awaits and Barcelona hold the psychological edge, having won all four of last season's encounters between the two bitter rivals, including a resounding 4-0 league victory on Real Madrid’s turf. Madrid will be without defenders Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba for the game in the Spanish capital but know that star striker Kylian Mbappe has been in sensational form, scoring 10 times in just nine LaLiga games so far in 2025-26. Barcelona, despite an injury crisis which has impacted key stars including Robert Lewandowski, Dani Olmo, Joan Garcia, Gavi and Raphinha, have excelled under Hansi Flick, demonstrating a robust, high-scoring attack. Get ready for a high-stakes battle that could significantly impact the title race.