Teenager Lamine Yamal could become the youngest man ever to play in Spain’s El Clasico on Saturday.
Twelve months ago, the 16-year-old forward was signing for Barcelona under-19s, but now has 13 senior caps to his name and is firmly in the sights of Real Madrid.
Yamal told Barcelona official website: “Everything I do when I’m so young is almost a record. People tell me, but for me the most important thing is that the team wins and I enjoy it.”
The youngster warmed up for a potential showdown with Madrid at the Estadi Olimpic, playing the full 90 minutes in Wednesday night’s 2-1 UEFA Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk.
He has been joined in the starting line-up by 20-year-old midfielder Fermin Lopez, who played football on loan at third-tier side Linares last season but has proven to be the right choice for boss Xavi since his return.
Fermin Lopez scored what turned out to be the winning goal in Wednesday night’s 2-1 Champions League win over Shakhtar and will be hoping to get a chance to make his mark against his club’s arch-rivals.
Asked about his rise since last year, he said: “It was unthinkable at the time, but I’ve learned a lot. Now I dream of winning the Clasico.
“We won in the pre-season but this time it’s a competitive game and it will be a dream to win it.
Xavi Hernandez’s side head into the game sitting third in the LaLiga table and unbeaten in all competitions so far this season, a comeback that has seen them sit just a point behind leaders Real.
Injuries have hit them in recent weeks and while hugely experienced frontman Robert Lewandowski could return after being ruled out in midweek, Barca are still doubts over Frenkie de Jong and Raphinh while Pedri is still out.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men, who won 2-1 at Braza on Tuesday to maintain – like Barca – their perfect start to their Champions League campaign, have been indebted to summer signing Jude Bellingham in recent weeks.
Touted in some quarters as the best player in the world as a result of his blistering form, the England international has scored 11 goals in 12 games to help keep his side, whose 3-1 derby at Atletico Madrid last month is their only reverse so far, on the right track.
Jude Bellingham, 20, came off in Portugal with an adductor strain after scoring but is expected to be fit to take his place in the starting line-up.
He told TVE in Spanish: “I will be in the El Clasico.”
Asked how fans have been celebrating his dazzling form with choruses of ‘Hey Jude’, he added: “Just thinking about it gives me goosebumps.
“On the field after I score a goal or make a save or a skill and I start to hear it slowly and then louder and louder, it’s something I’m really proud of.
“I’m so grateful to the fans for the way they treated me when I came to the club.
“It’s been a good start so far, but I want to continue to repay them for the way they welcomed me.”
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