First time in 36 years! Marcus Rashford set to break Clasico record at the Bernabeu

Marcus Rashford is set to become the first English player since Gary Lineker in the 1980s to feature in El Clasico for Barcelona when they face Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday.

The 27-year-old Manchester United loanee has impressed with five goals and six assists in 12 games, earning his spot after Raphinha's injury.Rashford strengthened his case for a starting position with two goals in Barcelona's 6-1 Champions League victory over Olympiacos on Tuesday. He could face England teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is returning from injury for Real Madrid.The forward has participated in every Barcelona match this season, establishing himself as a key player under manager Hansi Flick."It's a very easy team to enjoy the football (we're playing)," Rashford said this week.The loan move materialised in the summer when Manchester United, under coach Ruben Amorim, wanted to offload the player after questioning his commitment. Barcelona saw an opportunity to add attacking depth without significant financial investment.Rashford chose the number 14 shirt, previously worn by Thierry Henry, upon joining the Spanish champions.

"To wear this shirt is an honour and I'm ready to do my best," Rashford said.The England international has contributed either a goal or an assist in eight of his last nine games and has taken over free-kick responsibilities."He's giving me 100 percent of what I want from him," Flick commented after Rashford's performance against Olympiacos.Rashford demonstrated his versatility by playing as a central striker in the Olympiacos match, filling in for the injured Robert Lewandowski.The forward faced criticism in September after being dropped for the Getafe match due to arriving two minutes late for a morning meeting. He wasn't alone in facing such punishment, as Jules Kounde and Raphinha have also been benched for similar infractions.Rashford opened his Barcelona account with two goals against Newcastle in the Champions League in September, helping him settle into the team.Flick has highlighted areas for improvement in Rashford's game, particularly regarding pressing and work rate."Our style, how we want to play, is focused on high intensity and this is what I want to see also from him," the coach said.Barcelona have the option to make Rashford's move permanent for 30 million euros at the season's end. His performance in Sunday's Clasico could influence this decision.