United News of Bangladesh

Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior has apologised to the club’s fans for his emotional reaction after being substituted during the team’s 2–1 El Clásico victory over Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday. The 25-year-old Brazilian was taken off in the 72nd minute by coach Xabi Alonso and replaced by compatriot Rodrygo. As he left the pitch, Vinícius appeared visibly frustrated—gesticulating and shouting before heading straight into the dressing room. His behaviour drew mixed reactions across the football world, with some criticising the forward’s conduct and others defending his passion. Reports also suggested that relations between Alonso and Vinícius had deteriorated. The pair were expected to meet privately on Wednesday as the squad resumed training after a two-day break. Following the meeting, Vinícius took to social media to issue a public apology. “Today I want to apologise to all Madrid fans for my reaction to being substituted in El Clásico,” he wrote on X. “Just as I did in person during today’s training session, I also want to apologise again to my teammates, the club, and the president. “Sometimes my passion gets the better of me; I always want to win and help my team. My competitive nature stems from the love I feel for this club and everything it represents. “I promise to keep fighting every second for the good of Real Madrid, as I have done since day one.” Vinícius has scored five goals and provided four assists in LaLiga this season, as his form improved over the last month. However, reports indicate that Alonso is not a strong admirer of the player, having left last year’s Ballon d’Or runner-up out of the starting lineup three times so far this campaign. Contract talks with the club have also reportedly stalled, with his current deal running until 2027. Meanwhile, ESPN reported that Real Madrid has decided not to impose any punishment or suspension over the player’s discourteous behaviour.

Barcelona entered the first El Clasico of the season having beaten their arch-rivals in all four meetings last season, but they fell apart at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday, suffering a 2-1 defeat against a fired-up Real Madrid side. From the opening whistle, Real Madrid’s hunger for victory was evident. Xabi Alonso’s men played with high intensity and purpose, while Hansi Flick’s Barcelona lacked the drive and sharpness needed to challenge Madrid on their home turf. In truth, the visitors were fortunate to avoid a heavier defeat. Barcelona were also missing the guidance of their head coach, as Hansi Flick served a one-match suspension following a red card in their previous game. Their woes were compounded by injuries to key players including Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, Dani Olmo, Gavi, Andreas Christensen, and goalkeeper Joan García. Madrid began the match on the front foot, pressing aggressively and creating early danger. They earned a penalty inside the opening five minutes, but it was denied after a VAR review. Moments later, Kylian Mbappé found the net with a stunning long-range strike in the 12th minute, but VAR again ruled the effort out for offside. Bayern break record, extend perfect run against 10-man Gladbach Despite the early setbacks, Real Madrid continued to dominate a disjointed Barcelona side. Their persistence paid off in the 22nd minute when Jude Bellingham split the defense with a precise through ball, allowing Mbappé to fire home a legitimate opener. Barcelona found a response in the 38th minute through Fermin, who capitalized on a superb build-up led by Marcus Rashford. However, Madrid restored their lead just five minutes later. Vinícius Jr. drove down the left flank and delivered a pinpoint cross, which Bellingham guided into the net from a clever pass by Éder Militão. Los Blancos went into halftime with a 2-1 advantage, and it could easily have been more. Barcelona struggled to cope with Madrid’s pressing. Barca’s young winger Lamine Yamal managed to touch the ball just once inside the opposition box during the first half. Early in the second half, Real Madrid were awarded another penalty after Eric García handled the ball with hand inside the box while attempting to block Bellingham. However, Wojciech Szczęsny denied Mbappé’s spot kick, keeping Barcelona in the competition. Sunderland stun Chelsea with stoppage time winner to go second in EPL Madrid thought they had extended their lead in the 68th minute when Bellingham finished off a swift counterattack, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Barcelona improved after the break, showing more energy and control in possession. Despite dominating the ball for long spells, they lacked pace and precision in the final third, failing to break through Madrid’s disciplined defense. So, Bellingham’s second goal remained the difference as Real Madrid fans left the stadium with a wide smile. With the win, Real Madrid moved five points clear at the top of the La Liga table, leading with 27 points from 10 matches. Barcelona remain second with 22 points.  

Real Madrid's newly signed defender, Trent Alexander-Arnold, is set to miss several weeks of action after sustaining a muscle injury. The English international was substituted early in last night’s match against Marseille and is now expected to miss his first-ever El Clasico. “Following tests carried out Wednesday by the Real Madrid Medical Services on our player, Trent Alexander-Arnold, he has been diagnosed with a muscle injury to the biceps femoris in his left leg. Further updates will follow,” an official club statement read. According to several Spanish media reports, Alexander-Arnold will be sidelined for at least six to eight weeks. If this turns true, he will be unavailable for some of Madrid’s most critical upcoming matches. This includes his debut El Clasico on October 26, when Los Blancos will host the Catalan club at Santiago Bernabéu. Within this timeframe, Real Madrid also has other significant fixtures, including the Madrid Derby on September 27 and a match against Villarreal on October 4. His absence will also be felt in the Champions League, especially in upcoming games against Juventus and Liverpool. Two Real Madrid defenders sanctioned The injury adds to the club's defensive woes. Earlier this week, another key defender, Antonio Rüdiger, suffered a serious muscle injury that will keep him out for approximately three months. The absence of two vital players on defense will undoubtedly cause a major headache for coach Xabi Alonso as he looks to manage his starting lineup. Alexander-Arnold pulled up while making a run just five minutes into the match against Marseille, which the hosts won 2-1 thanks to two successful penalties from Kylian Mbappe. The defender dropped to the ground, holding the back of his left leg, and was replaced by Dani Carvajal immediately. Carvajal was later sent off for headbutting an opponent and will miss Madrid's next Champions League match against Kairat Almaty in two weeks. Alexander-Arnold joined Madrid from Liverpool this summer and made his debut for the Spanish giants during the Club World Cup.

Real Madrid and FC Barcelona will play their final El Clasico match of the season at the Santiago Bernabeu. The game will begin at 2:00 a.m. (Bangladesh Standard Time). Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 2-1 in the season's first La Liga El Clasico match at Camp Nou on October 24, 2021. Madrid now lead the La Liga points table with 66 points, while Barcelona are in third place with 51 points. Let's take a look at the Real Madrid vs Barcelona 2022 La Liga match preview and team news. FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Predicted Team Lineups Real Madrid is dealing with injury issues ahead of their match against Barcelona. Their star striker, Karim Benzema is doubtful for the season's last El Clasico, but head coach Carlo Ancelotti will keep an eye on his situation until the very last second. Apart from him, Brazilian winger, Rodrygo, and French defender, Ferland Mendy are both doubtful for this Clasico match. Probable Starting XI (Real Madrid) Thibaut Courtois (GK), Dani Carvajal (RB), Eder Militao (CB), Nacho (CB), David Alaba (LB), Toni Kroos (CM), Casemiro (CM), Luka Modric (CM), Marco Asensio (FW), Karim Benzema (FW), Vinicius Junior (FW). Read Ballon d’Or award undergoes significant changes At the present, there are no big injuries in the Barcelona team. According to reports, experienced defender Gerard Pique has a small injury, but it is not a serious one, and he should be fit for the Real Madrid match. The team's spirits are high after a 4-0 win over Osasuna on Monday, (March 14). Predicted Playing XI (Barcelona) Marc-Andre ter Stegen (GK), Dani Alves (RB), Gerard Pique (CB), Eric Garcia (CB), Jordi Alba (LB), Sergio Busquets (CM), Pedri (CM), Gavi (CM), Ousmane Dembele (RW), Ferran Torres (LW), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (FW)   Head-to-Head:  Real Madrid vs Barcelona The forthcoming match between Real Madrid and Barcelona will be their 184th La Liga El Clasico. Real Madrid lead the rivalry with 76 victories, while Barcelona have 72 victories. The last 35 games were all drawn. Both teams have met a total of 281 times across all competitions. Real Madrid have won 104 matches, with 62 of them ending in a draw. Barcelona have won 115 matches, while Real Madrid have won 104. Read Premier League disqualifies Abramovich from running Chelsea Real Madrid vs Barcelona 2022: match prediction Real Madrid have won five straight games, including the second leg of their Champions League tie with PSG. As a result, they are on fire right now. The ideal formation for the Los Blancos is 4-4-3. They thrashed PSG with this setup, and they will want to do the same against arch-rivals FC Barcelona. However, Real Madrid could afford to take it easy against Barcelona because they have led the points standings by ten points. Madrid would want to draw rather than lose the match against Barcelona. On the other hand, Barcelona have gone undefeated in their previous ten games, including major victories against Athletic Bilbao, Atletico Madrid, and Napoli. Xavi's Barcelona have rediscovered their stride since late January and have put in some inspiring performances. Pedri, Gavi, and Ansu Fati are among Blaugrana's most gifted young players. Read Cristiano Ronaldo Officially Becomes Highest Goalscorer in Football History These young talents are the club's future, and they have made great progress this season. Barcelona will strive to have the majority of the ball and will play possession-based football. Their preferred formation is the 4-3-3, but they can also play in a 4-2-3-1 if needed. The outcome of the match will have no impact on the La Liga standings. As a result, open play is expected in this match. Prediction: Real Madrid 2-2 Barcelona     Verdict Karim Benzema of Real Madrid is perhaps the best clutch player in the world right now. He has been on a different level since Cristiano Ronaldo departed the club in 2018. Benzema has been Real Madrid's key man for the past four years, helping the club win several critical matches. Benzema, Luka Modric, and Vinicius Junior will be vital for Real Madrid in this encounter. Read BFF announces team to play Int'l Friendlies against Maldives, Mongolia Oppositely, Xavi has been successful in instilling his philosophy in the Barcelona players. More importantly, the players have reacted with some outstanding on-field performances. Overall, football fans may expect an interesting Real Madrid vs Barcelona 2022 El Clasico match.