The first league El Clasico of the season is almost upon us, with Real Madrid set to face Barcelona at the Spotify Camp Nou later today.
Jose Mourinho’s team come into this game six points behind Barça and will be keen to close the gap to three.
Even apart from the football, there are a number of interesting storylines unfolding between the two teams.
Real Madrid midfielder Bernardo Silva is preparing for an unusual reunion, as he is set to line up against his close friend, Joao Cancelo.
The Portuguese pair spent years playing together, but their friendship will take a back seat when Jose Mourinho’s Madrid face the Catalan club.
Cancelo discusses his friendship with Bernardo Silva
Speaking in an interview with DAZN Portugal, Cancelo revealed that the two players have already discussed the prospect of facing each other.
“Bernardo Silva is one of my closest friends, and we often talk about El Clasico,” the Barcelona defender said.
Joao Cancelo speaks about his relationship with Bernardo Silva. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
“We played side by side for many long years, so who would have imagined that we’d face each other on Sunday in the most-watched match in the world?”
Cancelo expects the encounter to be a special occasion for supporters, although he made it clear that their friendship will not affect their responsibilities on the pitch.
“He’ll defend his team’s colors, and I’ll defend my team’s colors, but in the end, we’ll remain the same friends we’ve always been.”
The defender also spoke warmly about Silva’s importance in his life.
“I have great respect and admiration for Bernardo. He’s one of my dearest friends in the world of football and one of the people I value greatly in my life,” he concluded.
Bernardo Silva faces a major midfield test at Camp Nou
Silva’s experience and technical intelligence could prove particularly valuable against a Barcelona side that likes to control possession.
The Portuguese midfielder is comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, retaining possession in tight spaces and helping his team-mates progress into attacking positions.
While Mourinho might not plan on starting him against Barça, he could still have an important role to play off the bench.
Bernardo Silva is unlikely to be in the starting XI against Barça. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Cancelo, meanwhile, knows Silva’s game exceptionally well, having spent several seasons alongside him at Manchester City.
He will definitely be keen to offer his teammates insights into how they can stop the dynamic midfielder, and Rodri could also help them in this regard.
Should Silva be given an unlikely start, he would hold the key to Madrid winning the midfield battle against the Catalan club.
The friendship adds an interesting personal dimension to El Clasico, but the focus from a Madrid perspective is very straightforward.
It remains to be seen how Jose Mourinho sets his team up against Barça and whether they can secure the three points at the Camp Nou.