Shanghai Second Overview

Thibaut Courtois has shed light on the extraordinary depth of his fallout with the Belgian national team setup, detailing a departure from the squad's communication channels. The Real Madrid goalkeeper remains absent from the international scene as his public dispute with head coach Mark van Bommel shows no signs of a resolution.

Jose Mourinho has already begun the mind games ahead of Sunday's El Clasico by highlighting a scheduling disparity between Real Madrid and Barcelona. Despite a convincing midweek victory in Europe, the Portuguese tactician is frustrated that his side has significantly less recovery time than their Catalan rivals.

Barcelona teenage sensation Xavi Espart has lit the fuse ahead of Sunday's highly anticipated El Clasico, promising that the Catalan giants are ready for a physical battle against Real Madrid. Despite the disappointment of a recent Champions League setback, the versatile youngster is adamant that his side will leave everything on the pitch at Camp Nou.

Germany head coach Jurgen Klopp has weighed in on the eternal debate between Spain’s two biggest clubs ahead of the upcoming El Clasico clash between Barcelona and Real Madrid. The former Liverpool manager revealed which side he is currently backing to triumph at the Camp Nou while reflecting on his historical feelings toward the rivalry.