Real Madrid and Barcelona stars clash in pre-season after ‘horror’ challenge

Real Madrid and Barcelona proved there is no such thing as a ‘friendly’ between the bitter rivals when they met in a pre-season El Clasico.

There were spicy challenges and mid-game bust-ups as reigning La Liga champions Barca romped to a 3-0 victory over Jude Bellingham and co. at the AT&T Stadium in Texas.

The worst challenge of the night arguably came from Barca midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who shockingly scythed through Eder Militao from behind shortly before half-time. That challenge predictably incurred the wrath of the Real players, who piled in to confront the Dutchman. Cue a huge melee involving most of the players on the pitch.

Amid the chaos, the referee brandished a yellow card in the direction of De Jong while Militao eventually got to his feet and was able to continue.

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Real fans were left appalled by the challenge, with one raging: “What a disgusting player De Jong is, intentionally trying to injure a player in a pre-season game.”

The match saw a surprisingly routine victory for Barca thanks to a screamer from Ousmane Dembele after 15 minutes, plus late strikes from Fermin Lopez and Ferran Torres.

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However, Real boss Carlo Ancelotti was not concerned with the result and was actually pleased with aspects of his side’s play.

"The result is the least important thing," said Ancelotti. "It hurts to lose, but I'll keep the good things we did.

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"We were good in terms of intensity, we had a lot of chances that didn't go in. Five [against the woodwork] in a game is quite rare, I don't think it has ever happened to me. But it's better if it happens in pre-season."

Barca complete their US tour with a game against AC Milan in Las Vegas on Wednesday while Real face Juventus in Orlando a day later.

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