Trent Alexander-Arnold has worn the iconic white jersey of Real Madrid for less than two months, but the 26-year-old full-back is already gearing up for a major personal showdown that transcends club allegiances — another head-to-head clash with Marcus Rashford, the player he once admitted he underestimated.
Back in 2019, a young Alexander-Arnold, still learning the ropes at Liverpool, confessed that Rashford had handed him one of the toughest footballing lessons of his career. “Yeah, the toughest in terms of a direct opponent and someone getting on top of me in professional football,” he said. “I’d say I underestimated him. It was a massive learning curve for me.” That honesty still echoes today, especially as the two players now find themselves on rival sides of Spain’s biggest stage.
Rashford, now at Barcelona on a season-long loan from Manchester United, is hoping for a revival in La Liga after a turbulent couple of seasons in England. The English winger recently made his debut for the Catalan club in a promising 3-1 win over Vissel Kobe, showing glimpses of sharpness that could trouble even the most seasoned defenders — and few defenders know how dangerous Rashford can be better than Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Their potential face-off is circled on every fan’s calendar — October 26, the date of the first El Clasico of the 2025/26 campaign. It’s a game that always promises drama, but this time, the subplot between two of England’s brightest stars brings an extra layer of anticipation.
Alexander-Arnold has spoken over the years about how much that early encounter with Rashford shaped his development. The match in question, a bruising clash between Liverpool and Manchester United, saw Rashford wreak havoc on the right flank. “It was something that I hated happening,” Trent admitted. “As a Liverpool player, it’s probably the worst game of the season to perform like that. But when things like that happen, you have to learn from them.”
And learn he did. Over the following years, Trent evolved into one of the most dynamic right-backs in world football, known for his attacking contributions and pinpoint delivery. Yet despite all his progress, the respect he holds for Rashford remains unchanged. “It’s difficult [to stop Rashford],” he admitted in a later interview. “He’s a player who’s got a lot of weapons in his arsenal. But I think it’s more of a team effort — it won’t be just a one-on-one thing.”
Now, that very one-on-one could be revisited in the cauldron of the Camp Nou or the Santiago Bernabéu. Rashford, with a point to prove, and Trent, with a memory to avenge, could find themselves at the heart of a Clasico packed with personal stakes and national pride.
While the broader rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid is defined by history, trophies, and tradition, moments like this — personal duels born out of previous battles — give it emotional gravity. It’s more than tactics or statistics; it’s about redemption, rivalry, and the kind of competitive edge that defines careers.
For Rashford, this new chapter in Spain offers a chance to reinvent himself. After a few inconsistent years at United and questions about his future, the move to Barcelona is both a challenge and an opportunity. Already, there are whispers in the Spanish media that he could be a permanent fixture if he performs well. Facing a familiar foe like Alexander-Arnold, who knows both his weaknesses and his threats, could be the perfect platform to show just how far he’s come.
On the flip side, Alexander-Arnold will want to ensure that his El Clasico debut isn’t marred by another haunting performance against Rashford. As he settles into life in Madrid and adapts to a new tactical setup, the Englishman knows that every touch, every duel, and every error will be magnified under the unforgiving gaze of El Clasico’s spotlight.
As October approaches, both players will have plenty of preparation — mentally and physically — for the clash. But even before the ball is kicked, their story is already one of the most compelling side-plots in Spanish football this season.
With two English internationals set to renew their rivalry on Spanish soil, the El Clasico won’t just be Spain vs. Spain — it’ll carry echoes of England’s own internal battles, playing out on the grandest stage. One thing is for certain: neither Trent Alexander-Arnold nor Marcus Rashford will be underestimating each other this time.