Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is backing Vinicius Junior to unlock Barcelona's rock solid defence in the clasico on Sunday.
No player has scored from open play against leaders Barca at Camp Nou in La Liga this season, giving the champions a formidable task as they try to reduce the nine-point deficit between the Spanish giants.
But Ancelotti believes his Brazilian star can escape Ronald Araujo's shackles and give Los Blancos a fighting chance.
Vinicius has scored only twice in 12 games against Barca, both times before they started using Araujo at right-back.
"He's had more difficulties than in other games, but Vini is always Vini, his mobility can help him get best (from himself)," Ancelotti told a news conference."
'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."
Barca coach Xavi also looked forward to the battle between Araujo and Vinicius.
"Araujo is very physically strong, he's quick, fast, and understands the movements of his opponents," Xavi said.
"He's responsible, and a leader. He's a world class defender, one of the best in the world. Having Ronald in the team, is a guarantee, an advantage.
Clasico - the last 18 meetings in pictures
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Barcelona's Gavi celebrates their 1-0 Copa del Rey semi-final first leg win against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu on March 2, 2023. Reuters -
Barca's Raphinha celebrates with the Spanish Super Cup after their 3-1 victory against Real at King Fahd International Stadium on January 15, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Getty -
Karim Benzema celebrates with Federico Valverde, Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Junior after scoring in the 3-1 La Liga win against Barca at the Bernabeu on October 16, 2022. Getty -
Barcelona's players celebrate their 4-0 La Liga win over Real at the Santiago Bernabeu on March 20, 2022. AFP -
Real Madrid celebrate after their 3-2 Spanish Super Cup semi-final win against Barcelona on January 12, 2022, at the King Fahad International stadium in Riyadh. AFP -
Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos celebrates victory a 2-1 victory at the end of the clasico at Camp Nou on October 24, 2021. AFP -
Real's Brazilian midfielder Casemiro receives a red card during the clasico on April 10, 2021, but Real still won the game 2-1. AFP -
Lionel Messi and Barca were beaten 3-1 by Real at Camp Nou on October 24, 2020. EPA -
Real Madrid players celebrate their win at the end of the clasico on March 1, 2020 - a game they won 2-0. AFP -
Lionel Messi of Barcelona holds off Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid at Camp Nou on December 18, 2019. The La Liga encounter ended in a 0-0 stalemate. Getty -
An Ivan Rakitic goal gave Barcelona a 1-0 La Liga win over Real Madrid at the Bernabeu on March 2, 2019. Getty -
Luis Suarez scores Barca's third goal in a 3-0 second leg win at the Bernabeu on February 27, 2019 as Barcelona clinch a place in the final of the Copa del Rey. Getty -
Brazilian midfielder Malcom celebrates after scoring in a 1-1 first leg semi-final draw of the Copa del Rey at Camp Nou on February 6, 2019. Getty -
Arturo Vidal of Barcelona scores his side's fifth goal past Thibaut Courtois during a 5-1 La Liga win at Camp Nou on October 28, 2018. Getty -
Barcelona's Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez scores against Real Madrid in a 2-2 La Liga draw at Camp Nou on May 6, 2018. AFP -
Lionel Messi scored the second of Barcelona's three goals in a 3-0 La Liga win at the Bernabeu on December 23, 2017. Getty Images -
Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema scores the second goal during their 2-0 Spanish Super Cup final second leg win at the Bernabeu on August 16, 2017. Getty Images -
Lionel Messi scores a penalty but can't prevent Barcelona losing the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup against Real Madrid at Camp Nou 3-1 on August 13, 2017. Getty
"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, a former Barca star midfielder, said he was looking forward to coaching in the clasico at Camp Nou for the first time, with his prior clashes with Madrid all taking place away from home.
"I am very motivated, you know I'm a big Barca fan, these games get me going," added Xavi. "I'm excited, I'm motivated."
