Jules Koundé knows exactly who he’s up against this Sunday at the Camp Nou, and he isn’t holding back about the challenge ahead. With a potential La Liga title on the line in a high-stakes Clásico against Real Madrid, the French defender has named the one forward who gives him the toughest time on the pitch.

In a recent Q&A on FC Barcelona’s official YouTube channel, Koundé singled out his primary rival on the flank as his most difficult matchup to date. “Vinicius is the forward who has made me suffer the most,” he admitted. The Brazilian’s blistering pace and sharp changes of direction keep defenders on their toes, and Koundé knows it well. “He is always a difficult one. He is a great player, very fast and changes direction very quickly,” he added.

Koundé also gave a nod to AC Milan’s Rafael Leão, calling him “difficult, fast, powerful and tall.” But it’s the looming battle with Vinicius Jr. that truly defines the stakes for this weekend’s showdown. For Koundé, pressure is part of the game—and he wouldn’t have it any other way. “I don’t like to live without pressure. I take on responsibility naturally; it’s part of the life of an elite athlete,” he said. A life without responsibility? That’s simply not for him.

This mindset is fueling a Barcelona locker room that Koundé describes as “plugged in” and ready to clinch the league trophy against their biggest rivals. The math is straightforward: a draw would do the job, but the defender made it clear that Barça is aiming for a win. To get there, Koundé believes the team must stick to their tried-and-tested tactics. “It is about being focused, knowing how to act when we are facing a counter-attack. The key is to have a good pressure, as is always our philosophy,” he explained.

While he can’t promise a repeat of their three-goal performances in past Clásicos, Koundé is laser-focused on the result. “I can’t promise that we will score three goals in the Clásico. We have done it on other occasions, but now the important thing is to win the match.” For fans gearing up for this epic clash, it’s a reminder that every detail—from tactics to mindset—matters when the stakes are this high. And for those who love the game, that’s exactly what makes football unforgettable.