Featured Image Credit: Twitter
Topics: Barcelona, Real Madrid, Antonio Rudiger
Daniel Marland
Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo welcomed new Real Madrid signing Antonio Rudiger to El Clasico by asserting his dominance not once, but twice.
The Spanish giants squared off in Las Vegas in the early hours of Sunday morning and it was Barcelona who emerged 1-0 winners.
Raphinha curled home a lovely effort in the 27th minute and it was a strike good enough to win any game.
Barcelona's summer spending means they are legitimate La Liga challengers once again and the rivalry is heating up. Two players at the heart of it inside the Allegiant Stadium were Araujo and Rudiger.
Advert
Araujo set the benchmark early after deciding to go on a marauding run through Los Blancos' spine.
The 23-year-old gave Rudiger a head start before physically dominating him seconds later. Rudiger was no match for Araujo in the speed or strength category and it makes for fascinating viewing.
Rudiger proved in his five years at Chelsea he will always be back for more however and 10 minutes later there he was, ready to scrap.
Advert
Vinicius Jr. was hauled down by Jordi Alba on the counter and it brought both sets of players together.
Germany international Rudiger knew exactly who he wanted and went straight to Araujo to settle the score.
Araujo did not back down however and looked to come out on top against Rudiger, which saw Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois attempt to separate the duo.
Advert
Fans have reacted to the incident and they are hoping it can capture the essence of old Gerard Pique vs Sergio Ramos duels.
One person said: "The moment Rudiger realised Araujo is not a regular Premier League defender you can bully."
A second tweeted: "Araujo is something else he treated Rudiger like a child."
Someone put: "This is the most humiliating thing in football."
Advert
While a fourth added: "Even Ramos wouldn't want anything to do with Araujo. He's got that dog in him."
Barcelona manager Xavi was pleased with his side's performance and admitted at full-time there is 'no friendly' with Real.
"We came here to win and we did it. We suffered towards the end of the game but I am still satisfied with today’s match," he explained.
Advert
"We were the better team. At Barcelona, there are no friendly matches… We always want to win, especially against Real Madrid."