Barcelona forward Gabriel Jesus could have an important role to play in the Clasico on Sunday, even if it is off the bench.
His excellent record against Los Blancos could provide another reason for optimism ahead of the showdown at the Spotify Camp Nou.
According toMundo Deportivo, Jesus has historically performed very well against Real Madrid while playing for his former club.
Gabriel Jesus has repeatedly punished Real Madrid
The 29-year-old has faced Madrid four times, all during his Manchester City career in the Champions League, recording three victories and one defeat.
More impressively, he contributed three goals and one assist across those encounters.
His first appearance came in February 2020, when Pep Guardiola deployed him on the left wing at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Gabriel Jesus did an excellent job for Manchester City against Real Madrid. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Jesus scored City’s equaliser in a 2-1 victory and troubled Real Madrid’s defence throughout the match.
He was equally influential in the return leg, dispossessing Raphael Varane to create Raheem Sterling’s opener before scoring the winner himself.
The Brazilian struck again in the 2021-22 Champions League semi-final first leg, scoring during City’s thrilling 4-3 victory.
Real Madrid eventually staged a dramatic comeback in the second leg to progress to the next round of the Champions League.
Flick has another dangerous option for El Clasico
Jesus has made an encouraging start to his Barça career, scoring four goals in 234 minutes across seven appearances.
That efficiency makes him an intriguing option, particularly if Flick needs some attacking impetus off the bench in Sunday’s encounter.
Beyond his goalscoring record, Jesus offers qualities that could be particularly useful against Madrid.
Hansi Flick could strategically use Gabriel Jesus against Real Madrid. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
His pressing intensity, intelligent movement and ability to drift into wider positions could give Barça a potent weapon to break down Madrid.
His previous success against Madrid makes for good reading but does not necessarily guarantee another impressive performance on Sunday.
However, psychologically, knowing that he has historically done well against a particular team could give the 29-year-old a confidence boost.
Barcelona already possess enough attacking quality to hurt Madrid, and Jesus can become the cherry on top of that cake. It remains to be seen how he fares if given a chance on Sunday.