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MARCUS RASHFORD’S SHORT MESSAGE SAYS IT ALL TO BARCELONA

Marcus Rashford declares "All set for Sunday" ahead of El Clásico. The in-form Barcelona forward, praised by manager Hansi Flick, is confident and ready for the crucial clash against league leaders Real Madrid.

Marcus Rashford’s Short Message Says It All to Barcelona
Rashford soaring for Barca ahead of Clasico bow - Creator: NurPhoto | Credit: NurPhoto via Getty Images

For Sunday's El Clásico, Marcus Rashford has stated that he is prepared.

With just two points separating them in the La Liga standings, Barcelona will play Real Madrid for the first time this season. The game will be hosted at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium by top-seeded Madrid.

After losing to Atletico Madrid 5-2 late last month, Xabi Alonso's team recovered by winning their following four games in all competitions, giving up just one goal and scoring 10 goals. In contrast, Barcelona dropped to second place after losing 4-1 to Sevilla in their final match before the international break.

But since getting back into action, they have reacted, defeating Olympiacos 6-1 in the Champions League and defeating Girona with a winner in the 93rd minute last weekend. In that game, Rashford scored the fourth and sixth goals, his first since his consoling goal against Sevilla.

"Wonderful night at home," he wrote on social media afterwards. "What a TEAM!" Andre Onana and Bruno Fernandes each began their comments with the words "Rashyyyyyy" and a star-struck emoji.

He then posted pictures from his training on Friday, writing, "All set for Sunday." Ayden Heaven, Diogo Dalot, Ethan Wheatley, JJ Gabriel, Joe Hugill, Joshua Zirkzee, Kai Rooney, Leny Yoro, and Lisandro Martinez were among the United players who showed interest in his most recent job.

"It is not a long career, and the first thing you are going to regret when you retire is this type of match," Rashford told the club's internal media this week. When asked about his future, he added, "I hope to remain here for a long time."

"He is very quick, he integrates with his team-mates well and with confidence, and he is only going to improve from strength to strength as he understands them better," Barca manager Hansi Flick said in response to a question regarding Rashford. He is already meeting all of my expectations in full."

7-POINT GAP: RAPHINHA'S BRACE BREAKS OSASUNA FOR SEVENTH STRAIGHT WIN

Raphinha's late brace secured a crucial 2-0 win for Barcelona against Osasuna, extending their La Liga lead to seven points and achieving their first clean sheet in six games.

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Raphinha's Versatility Seals Crucial Victory

Raphinha's strike from the edge of the box after 70 minutes secured Barca's seventh straight league win.

Real Madrid, in second place, plays Alaves on Sunday, hoping to close the gap on the leaders to four points.

Barca wasn't at their best but still managed to win, also keeping their first clean sheet in six games.

They also secured their fifth straight victory at their newly reopened Camp Nou.

(The win) has a lot of merit. They were well-organised, and it was hard to find a way through. With patience and a lot of possession, we did it, Barca defender Gerard Martin told Movistar.

A clean sheet gives the team stability, and the goals always come.

Ferran Torres, who started instead of Robert Lewandowski after his hat trick against Real Betis, almost scored early on, but his shot from Lamine Yamal's cross went over the bar.

At the other end, Joan Garcia easily saved Ante Budimir's shot. Osasuna looked to attack Barca on the counter.

Yamal had a couple of shots saved in a frustrating first half for him and Barca.

Torres headed in Marcus Rashford's cross, but the goal was disallowed for offside.

The Spain international's overhead kick went just wide, and Garcia made another good save to deny Budimir before halftime.

Osasuna goalkeeper Sergio Herrera saved a Rashford free kick early in the second half as Barca looked to continue their winning streak.

They struggled to break down Osasuna, but Raphinha received the ball on the edge of the box to fire a shot into the bottom right corner.

Osasuna's Jorge Herrando, who was sent off on his debut for the club at Camp Nou in 2023, had a goal disallowed after Alejandro Catena collided with Barca goalkeeper Garcia.

Soon after, Raphinha scored at the far post after Alejandro Catena deflected Jules Kounde's cross into his path with four minutes left.

Raphinha, who started in a central attacking midfield role, was one of the team's top players last season as they won a domestic treble and has impressed since returning from injury.

We've got a lot of good players, and Rapha, or anyone else who plays inside, gives us a lot of options in that position, Martin added.

FRENKIE DE JONG RETURNS? THE KEY MIDFIELD DECISION HANSI FLICK FACES AHEAD OF OSASUNA

FC Barcelona is winning, but is the midfield complete? We analyse why Hansi Flick must start Frenkie de Jong tonight against Osasuna to strengthen the team.

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Should Flick Start €45M Star Frenkie De Jong vs Osasuna

Later today, FC Barcelona plays CA Osasuna in La Liga at Camp Nou. They've been doing great in their last five league games, and they'll want to keep that winning streak going.

Everyone's wondering which players Flick will pick for this important game. He's been trying out new things lately, so we'll see if he sticks with that.

At Sempre Barca, we think Flick should start Frenkie de Jong against Osasuna. It's time he got back in the starting lineup.

Frenkie last started against Chelsea, then missed two games because he was sick. He was ready for the next two games, against Real Betis and Eintracht Frankfurt, but Flick chose to start Eric Garcia as the No. 6 instead.

Flick suggested that this was his choice, not because Frenkie wasn't fit to play. Still, the Dutchman, who's worth €45 million, is a key player and should be back in the lineup against Osasuna.

Eric has been playing well as the No. 6 lately. If Flick goes with a 4-3-3 when they don't have the ball, Frenkie could play next to him in midfield. That would make Barcelona really strong in the middle.

There's no question about what Frenkie brings to the team or if he fits in this setup. It's just a matter of when he'll be back in the starting XI, and we're hoping it's tonight against Osasuna.

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