THE BIGGEST RIVALRY IN FOOTBALL-EL CLASICO IS BACK TODAY

 

BRIEF HISTORY OF EL CLASICO

The most anticipated game in the history of football, the mighty El Clásico is a clash between the two giants of Spanish football, Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. It was first played on the 13th of May, 1902 in a meeting called “Copa de la Coronación” (a prototype of the current Copa Del Rey tournament.). El Clásico is not just about the game being played but about historical, political and cultural significance of both sides. 

Real Madrid and Barcelona have always had a strong rivalry because both clubs have the greatest athletes, huge fan-bases across the globe and most importantly huge international followings. This is not only limited to that, the two clubs identify themselves with political and cultural values and it gives them two distinct identities.

First El Clasico game played, Barcelona won 3-1

In history, Real Madrid is linked to the central power and nationalism in Spain, whereas Barcelona is of Catalan descent and sovereignty (Mes Que Un Club”). The rivalry between the two clubs took a different turn when FC Barcelona’s President Josep Sunyol was executed in 1936 during the Spanish Civil war but became more popular during the Messi-Ronaldo era from 2009 to 2018. Prior to that the rivalry became modernized in the early 1990’s and Barcelona dominated Laliga during that period , and from there to the famous “Galácticos vs La Masia” era in 2000. 

Lionel Messi and Ronaldo’s fierce rivalry and competition 

In modern era( 2019-Pressnt), El Clásico remains on of the most watched sporting event featuring the new wave of talents; Vinicius Jnr, Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Fede Valverde for Real Madrid and Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal and Gavi for Barcelona. 

 

HEAD TO HEAD STATISTICS IN EL CLASICO

Total wins for Real Madrid :105

Total wins for Barcelona :104

Draws:52

Goals for Real Madrid:437

Goals for Barcelona :431

Home wins for Real Madrid : 66

Home wins for Barcelona :63

Barcelona has the opportunity to catch up with Real Madrid for the total wins in El Clásico and contrary to that Real Madrid also has the chance to extend its record against Barcelona. In the past 10 games Real Madrid and Barcelona have faced each other, Real Madrid wins 6 and Barcelona 4. 

It promised to be an exciting fixture for the Catalans but unfortunately amidst multiple injuries their manager, Hansi Flick was handed a red card in their previous league game against Girona, and despite multiple attempts, the appeals were rejected. Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid’s manager is also looking forward to secure his first El Clásico win since his arrival at the club. 

Uncertainty is a hallmark of El Clasico and today’s game is another fierce battle between the teams. The Santiago Bernabeu is ready to host the most anticipated game later this afternoon.