Real Madrid isn’t good enough for Barcelona,” Marcus Rashford sparked outrage with his blunt remarks just before the season kicked off. Young prodigy Arda Güler immediately responded with twelve cold words that left the new Barça striker speechless.

Just days before the start of the new La Liga season, Marcus Rashford has ignited a firestorm between Spanish football’s biggest rivals. The English forward, freshly signed by Barcelona in a record-breaking transfer from Manchester United, made a statement that has set social media ablaze and brought the El Clásico rivalry to boiling point before a single ball has been kicked.

Speaking during a press conference at Camp Nou, Rashford declared, “Real Madrid don’t have the level to compete with us this season.” It was a line delivered with supreme confidence, perhaps even arrogance, and it was instantly interpreted as a direct challenge to Los Blancos. The timing, coming just two days before the opening match, ensured that the football world took notice.

The reaction was immediate and fierce. Real Madrid supporters flooded social media with angry responses, vowing that Rashford would “regret his words” and warning him that the upcoming El Clásico would be the ultimate reality check. On the other side of the divide, Barcelona fans celebrated the statement as a sign of fearlessness from their newest star, a player many hope will lead them back to domestic and European glory.

Yet it wasn’t just the fans who had something to say. Real Madrid’s teenage sensation, Arda Güler, wasted no time in crafting a sharp and calculated response. The 19-year-old, already hailed as one of the brightest talents in world football, posted just twelve words on his social media: “You talk a lot, Rashford. Prove it on the pitch, not with words.”

Those few words were enough to shift the spotlight. Güler’s calm but cutting remark instantly went viral, earning him admiration from Madridistas for his composure and confidence. Within hours, hashtags like #GülerResponde and #MadridFuerza were trending worldwide, while Rashford maintained silence, perhaps unwilling to escalate the war of words any further.

The incident has added an extra layer of intrigue to the first El Clásico of the season, scheduled for October. Rashford, known for his blistering pace and lethal left-foot strikes, will be under immense pressure to back up his bold claim. Güler, meanwhile, has been steadily building his reputation with dazzling performances and decisive goals, eager to prove he can be Madrid’s next big superstar.

In the eyes of many analysts, this verbal exchange could be the spark that defines the early months of La Liga. For Rashford, this is about stamping his authority in Spain and justifying Barcelona’s huge investment. For Güler, it’s about showing maturity beyond his years and defending the pride of his club against any perceived disrespect.

Inside the clubs, the reactions have been measured. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick brushed aside questions about the comments, insisting his focus was on tactical preparation for the new season. At Real Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti praised Güler’s response as “mature and to the point,” highlighting the youngster’s discipline and mentality.

Fans, however, are already counting down the days to the clash. The narrative has shifted from the usual tactical talk to a personal rivalry—Rashford’s outspoken confidence against Güler’s icy composure. Every touch, dribble, and shot between the two in October will be magnified under the glare of millions watching worldwide.

As the season kicks off, one thing is certain: Rashford’s words and Güler’s response have set the tone for a campaign that promises not only footballing brilliance but also a drama-filled rivalry worthy of Spain’s grandest stage. The talking is over—soon, the pitch will decide who was