Madrid currently lead La Liga with 21 points from eight matches with the October 26 Clasico clash approaching, while reigning champions Barca sit in second with 19 points after their heavy 4-1 loss to Sevilla. In this charged atmosphere, young centre-back Cubarsi has spoken up, warning that the threat up front is different this season, claiming Mbappe is harder to handle than Bellingham and suggesting that stopping the French forward will require more than usual.
Cubarsi believes Mbappe’s dynamic playstyle gives him an edge. He highlights how the French forward can appear in unexpected spots- either out wide, drifting inside from the wings, or directly at your feet.
In an interview with AS the Barca defender explains why Mbappe is more dangerous than Bellingham: “Both are difficult, because Mbappe is very mobile, attacks spaces well, and is very fast. You don’t expect Bellingham because he comes from deep, from the second line. But I think Mbappe, because he’s fast, finishes with his first touch and can score.”
Barca have been criticised for defensive lapses and lack of intensity, seen most recently in Sevilla, where they conceded four goals. Cubarsi has flagged these issues, said the team needs better pressing from the front, and emphasised that every player, forward as well as back, has to contribute. Los Blancos, by contrast, seem more settled under Xabi Alonso, with a coherence in style and fewer vulnerabilities.
Mbappe will hope to capitalise on the issues plaguing Hansi Flick’s team, especially as he has an impressive record against the Catalan club, having scored 11 goals in eight matches. He is flying this season, too, with 14 goals in 10 games so far, while Bellingham is on the hunt for his first of the campaign.
Barca enter the clash weakened with Lamine Yamal sidelined due to a groin injury and in a race against time to be fit for the trip to the Spanish capital. Raphinha, Joan Garcia and Fermin Lopez are also missing out.
For Madrid, meanwhile, Dani Carvajal is out for around a month with a calf injury and Trent Alexander-Arnold is also sidelined with a biceps femoris injury. To mitigate these losses, Madrid may rely on younger backs or deploy versatile midfielders like Federico Valverde into defensive roles. With both sides battered by injuries, the Clasico showdown will test both side’s resilience and define their title campaign.
