El Clasico Heat: Mourinho Fires Warning, Real Madrid Lose Vinicius Jr as Ballon d'Or Boycott Ends

The El Clasico build-up has reached boiling point following Jose Mourinho's fiery warning, with Real Madrid dealt a massive blow as Vinicius Junior is ruled out. Meanwhile, Barcelona will miss Jules Kounde, and Los Blancos have made a surprise U-turn to end their two-year Ballon d'Or boycott for Kylian Mbappe.

Spanish Football

14:25 - 24/10/2026

Mourinho fires warning as injury crisis sweeps through both camps

Jose Mourinho fires a warning ahead of El Clasico as both teams grapple with a severe injury crisis.

Ahead of the high-stakes clash with a six-point gap separating leaders Barcelona (27 points) and Real Madrid (21 points), Jose Mourinho confidently declared he has no fear of Spotify Camp Nou, brushing aside comparisons with Hansi Flick after three months in charge. Meanwhile, Real Madrid have named a 23-man squad missing Vinicius Junior (serving a four-match ban) alongside Rodrygo, Raul Asencio, and Ferland Mendy. Barcelona have also suffered a major blow with Jules Kounde spraining his ankle, forcing Hansi Flick to field a makeshift defence featuring Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin.

Real Madrid end Ballon d'Or boycott for Kylian Mbappe

Real Madrid end their two-year Ballon d'Or boycott to back Kylian Mbappe for the prestigious award.

In a surprise U-turn, Real Madrid have officially ended their two-year boycott of France Football's Ballon d'Or gala to pave the way for Kylian Mbappe to claim the crown. The club's hierarchy are convinced that his devastating form and 2026 World Cup Golden Boot will see the French forward edge out Barcelona's heavyweight contender Lamine Yamal. This battle for football's ultimate individual prize will be settled in London on the night of 26 October 2026, hot on the heels of El Clasico.

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