Real Madrid players left fuming by jibes from Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal as animosity intensifies ahead of La Liga title race Clasico showdown

Yamal, still only 17, has not shied away from the spotlight or from engaging in the psychological warfare that so often surrounds El Clásico. The first spark of this growing animosity dates back to the aftermath of Barcelona’s triumph over Real Madrid in the 2023 Spanish Super Cup. Ronald Araújo, one of Barça’s leaders, proudly announced the beginning of a "new era" for the Catalan club, a comment that was not well received in the Real Madrid dressing room.

Though the Blaugrana celebrated that victory, Madrid’s response came loud and clear over the following months. The capital side secured their 36th La Liga title and clinched the “Decimoquinta” – their 15th Champions League trophy – sending a clear message that Barcelona’s so-called new age was short-lived.

According to Marca,what further fuelled the rivalry was Yamal’s bold statement following Barcelona’s win against Madrid in the Copa del Rey final. The young winger revealed a conversation he had with teammate Ronald Araújo before the game, saying: "Talking to Ronald (Araújo) at the hotel, I told him that if we concede a goal, it doesn't matter. If we concede two goals, it doesn't matter either. This year, they simply can't beat us."

This confidence, or arrogance, depending on perspective, was not taken lightly by the Madrid camp. Several players, still smarting from the loss, were reportedly stunned by Yamal’s swagger and perceived lack of respect.

Barcelona veteran Iñigo Martínez joined in with his own post-match jab, suggesting that “football was the real winner” and that Barça had simply proven to be the superior side. His words further irritated a Madrid squad that already felt wounded by the defeat and the growing public narrative around their declining dominance.

"I think football won today, and that's what's important. For our part, we had to show we were better, as we did," the defender quipped.

After a tough Champions League exit at the hands of Inter Milan, Barça’s players seem eager to reaffirm their domestic authority. Martinez, despite the disappointment in Europe, boldly declared: "La Liga is ours and the next game will be ours, I have no doubt about it...we're going after Madrid without any problem," the centre back declared.

Such proclamations have only sharpened the focus at Valdebebas, where Madrid’s players have used these statements as motivation. Watching Barcelona’s Champions League semifinal collapse together, the Madrid squad reportedly saw a team that had been mentally and physically drained. Their aim now is to capitalize on that vulnerability when they meet at Montjuïc.

Currently trailing Barcelona by four points in the league standings, Real Madrid know that Sunday’s fixture could swing the title race back in their favour. A win would reduce the gap to just one point, turning up the heat in what is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling La Liga finishes in years.