FC Barcelona forward Gabriel Jesus has experienced high-stakes football across multiple leagues and continents, but he is preparing for a new milestone as he looks toward his first appearance in El Clásico.
While Jesus has previously faced Real Madrid during his career, he has never done so while wearing the famous blaugrana. In a recent interview with CazeTV, the Brazilian striker shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming fixture. He stated that playing in the clásico for the first time is a true dream, noting that he had long desired to wear the Barcelona jersey and participate in the historic rivalry.
Throughout his career, Jesus has featured in intense derby matches, including the fierce cross-town rivalry between Palmeiras and Corinthians in Brazil, as well as high-pressure fixtures in English club football. However, he ranks the encounter between Barcelona and Real Madrid among the most important matches in the world.
Jesus brings a history of success against Real Madrid to his new club, having scored three goals against the Spanish powerhouse during his tenure with Manchester City FC in the UEFA Champions League. Those goals came during memorable knockout ties that resulted in his former side advancing on both occasions.
One of those notable moments occurred on February 26, 2020, at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium in Madrid. After trailing 1-0 following a goal by Isco, Jesus scored the equalizer in a match that Manchester City ultimately won 2-1. He found the back of the net against Madrid once more during the return leg, which ended with another 2-1 victory for the English side. Jesus added a third goal against Madrid in April 2022 during a high-scoring 4-3 win at the Etihad Stadium. During his subsequent stint with Arsenal FC, he did not face Real Madrid and did not score against them during that period.
Since making his move to Barcelona, Jesus has made an immediate impact on the pitch, netting four goals since his debut. This early scoring form sets the stage for his involvement in one of world football’s most closely watched fixtures as he steps onto the pitch for Barcelona against Real Madrid for the very first time.
