Real Madrid Confidencial Xabi Alonso talks to Trent about the clásicos, response to Barça's signing of Rashford
The English will face each other again, as they have so many times in matches between Manchester United and Liverpool
El Clásico 2025/26 will have a new ingredient. A British duel between two old acquaintances: Marcus Rashford and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Real Madrid is already preparing for that clash. Xabi Alonso, aware of Barça's blockbuster signing, has personally spoken with the English full-back.
He wants Trent to have a clear mission: to neutralize Rashford. Just like he did so many times in the Premier League.
An old duel, now in LaLiga
Barcelona has surprised this summer by securing Marcus Rashford on loan. He arrives from Manchester United, with a purchase option for 2026.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid signed Alexander-Arnold weeks before the Club World Cup. A strategic signing, which now becomes even more valuable.
Both starred in multiple battles in England. Rashford, from the left wing. Trent, from the right back position.
Xabi wants to revive that duel. But now in El Clásico.
Trent knows Rashford better than anyone
Within Madrid's coaching staff, there is a certainty: if anyone can stop Rashford, it's Trent. He has suffered against him and studied him for years. He knows how to position himself, when to press him, and how to cut off his diagonal runs.
Rashford, despite his talent, never had easy matches against Liverpool. In fact, Alexander-Arnold won most of their direct duels.
Xabi Alonso wants to take advantage of that edge. He has already given the assignment to the Englishman.
A tactical and emotional battle
This Clásico will be more than just a match. It will be a reunion of styles, egos, and strategies. Trent has been signed to make a difference, and one of those differences could be stopping the great addition of the eternal rival.
At Real Madrid, they don't want Rashford to shine. Not at Montjuïc nor at Bernabéu. Xabi knows that if Trent wins that duel, Barça loses much of its threat.
The two Englishmen arrive with history. Rashford has scored seven goals against Liverpool. But he was never decisive when he faced Alexander-Arnold.
Now that duel moves to Spain, Xabi Alonso is already making moves. El Clásico is heating up, and England brings the spark, but Spain is the new stage.
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