Jude Bellingham has vowed to "do whatever it takes" to halt Real Madrid's miserable run against Barcelona when the rivals clash at the Bernabeu this afternoon.
The England midfielder is desperate to reverse Los Blancos' fortunes after their Catalan tormentors swept all four encounters last term, including a humiliating 4-0 triumph at the Santiago Bernabeu.
With Real perched atop La Liga, holding a slender two-point advantage over second-placed Barcelona, the stakes could scarcely be higher. The 22-year-old recognises the psychological importance of conquering their fiercest adversaries.
"Knowing that you can beat your biggest rival for the title makes you believe that you can have a good season," Bellingham told Real Madrid TV.
Jude Bellingham is looking to be Real Madrid's main man
|REUTERS
The former Birmingham City prodigy experienced that winning feeling during his debut campaign but watched helplessly as Barcelona dominated proceedings throughout 2024-25.
Following a challenging period sidelined by shoulder surgery in July, Bellingham has battled back to peak condition.
The midfielder endured 63 days away from training and competition, missing five crucial fixtures for the Spanish champions during his rehabilitation.
His comeback commenced in late September, greeted by thunderous applause from the Bernabeu faithful. Initially struggling to rediscover his rhythm, the Englishman has gradually rebuilt his match sharpness across six appearances.
The turning point arrived against Juventus in midweek Champions League action, where Bellingham netted the decisive goal.
"I feel very good and happy -- finally back on the pitch," he declared. "I'm strong and positive, probably in the best physical condition I've been in a long time."
Thomas Tuchel's decision to exclude Bellingham from England's October fixtures against Wales and Latvia has provided additional motivation for the midfielder.
Thomas Tuchel unceremoniously dropped Jude Bellingham from his last England squad
| PADespite boasting 44 international caps and being crowned England men's player of the year for 2024-25, the Three Lions boss opted to maintain continuity from September's squad.
The German tactician insisted no personal conflict existed, promising discussions with Bellingham ahead of November's international window.
Yet the omission stings for a player who delivered memorable moments at Euro 2024, including that spectacular overhead kick against Slovakia.
Sunday's showpiece offers the ideal platform for redemption. With over 650 million viewers expected worldwide and Tuchel undoubtedly monitoring proceedings, Bellingham has the opportunity to remind everyone why he remains England's premier talent in Spanish football.
The midfielder acknowledged Real's emotional fragility during previous encounters with their arch-rivals. "
Last year, when we found ourselves behind in some games, it affected us too much and we let the game slip away," he admitted. His solution centres on maintaining psychological equilibrium throughout the contest.
"A big part of it is managing the game, the moment, the emotions," Bellingham explained. "Now it's about staying mentally stable for the full 90 minutes." He identified controlling nerves, pressure and the electric atmosphere as crucial factors that could determine the outcome.
Jude Bellingham will perform in front of millions - including Thomas Tuchel
|REUTERS
Barcelona arrive with significant injury concerns, missing key players including Robert Lewandowski, Dani Olmo and Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Manager Hansi Flick will watch from the stands following his touchline ban, leaving assistant Marcus Sorg to orchestrate proceedings from the technical area.
Bellingham's El Clasico pedigree speaks volumes, having found the net three times across four appearances against Barcelona.
The midfielder became the first Real player since Ruud van Nistelrooy in 2007 to score in his initial two La Liga encounters with the Catalans, instantly cementing his status amongst the Bernabeu faithful.
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Manager Xabi Alonso has refined Bellingham's role, positioning him as a hybrid midfielder-forward operating behind Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe. The tactical adjustment aims to recapture the timing and goalscoring prowess that defined his debut season.
"It's like playing in a final - a victory in El Clasico feels like that," observed Real supporter Carlos Campillo. With the championship race finely poised, Bellingham understands that triumph today could prove pivotal in securing another La Liga crown.