Tensions boiled over after Real Madrid’s 2–1 win against Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu as Barca captain Frenkie de Jong slammed Dani Carvajal for his post-match gesture towards winger Lamine Yamal. What began as a heated Clasico ended in chaos with the culmination of days of tension sparked by Yamal’s pre-game remarks that infuriated the Madrid players and set the stage for a volatile night in the Spanish capital.

Two days prior to El Clasico, Hansi Flick finds his Barcelona contingent in dire straits as they are hit with yet another injury setback. This time, it's their Brazilian lynchpin Raphinha, who missed training on Friday, and doubts have been cast over his involvement against Real Madrid on Sunday.

Barcelona’s El Clasico preparations have been hit by fresh concerns as Frenkie de Jong and Andreas Christensen both missed training on Thursday, leaving Hansi Flick anxious before Sunday’s Bernabeu showdown. While Raphinha and Ferran Torres near full recovery, Flick’s tactical headaches deepen against a Real Madrid side powered by Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.

Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman has been urged to make a bold call by dropping Manchester City’s £60 million ($81m) midfielder Tijjani Reijnders from his national team setup. The 26-year-old has been one of Pep Guardiola’s most trusted lieutenants since arriving from AC Milan in the summer, shining as a deep-lying creative force in City’s engine room. But despite his fine start to life in England, not everyone back home believes he should keep his place in the Oranje midfield.

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has officially extended his contract with the club until 2029. The Dutch international expressed his delight at continuing with Barcelona, stating that he is eager to win many more titles with the Catalan side. The midfielder acknowledged that winning every possible trophy will be the club’s main objective this season.