Ancelotti Hopes Vinicius Can Move Past Araujo In El Clasico

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has expressed confidence in his star winger Vinicius Junior, despite his struggles against Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo in recent matches ahead of Sunday's El Clasico.

"Araujo has been a stopper for Vinicius in the past, but he's always been Vini. His mobility can help him get the best out of himself in tomorrow's game," Ancelotti said at a press conference.

"I'm thinking of putting him on the right, let's see. He can play on the right, Vinicius."

"Obviously that wasn't serious, but mobility could be important, not having a fixed reference point. Speaking generally, against a forward that's another problem for a defence.

"Vini will play on the left, with more mobility."

Vinicius has scored twice in 12 games against Barcelona, but both goals came before Araujo was deployed at right-back to directly confront him.

Additionally, no player has scored from open play against league leaders Barcelona at Camp Nou in LaLiga this season, presenting a tough challenge for Real Madrid as they try to close the nine-point gap between the two sides.

While Ancelotti has hinted that Vinicius may be used on the right flank, he clarified that the forward could be given more freedom to move from the left. Xavi Hernandez, Barcelona's coach, has praised Araujo's strength and quickness, saying that he understands his opponents' movements well.

"Araujo is a world-class defender, one of the best in the world. Having Ronald in the team is a guarantee and an advantage," Xavi said in a press conference.

"Usually when he takes on Vinicius, he comes out as the winner of the battle, but Vinicius can make a big difference. It's not just Ronald, it's everyone looking out and collectively, we've been very good against Madrid."

Xavi also expressed his excitement at coaching in the Clasico at Camp Nou for the first time.

"I am very motivated, you know I'm a big Barca fan, these games get me going," Xavi said. "It's my first Clasico at Camp Nou (as coach), I'm excited, I'm motivated."

As both coaches express their excitement and motivation for the game, fans can expect an intense and highly competitive match between these two football giants.