Spain is currently the capital of world football. Not only did they lift the World Cup last year, but in Barcelona and Real Madrid, they have two of the best soccer clubs in the world.
Naturally, the rivalry between these two soccer giants is intense, and every time they meet, the reputations of both teams are subjected to immense pressure, not only from their respective loyal fan bases, but also from the media. of all the world.
Both teams play in La Liga, the first Spanish league. When these two great soccer colossi meet (at least twice a year in league competition, and more if they face each other in one of the European trophy matches), the name given to the matches (yes, in They actually have a name from this particular soccer match), it’s “El Clásico” – The Classic.
Since these two clubs first began meeting in 1902, Real Madrid has a slight advantage, with a total of 74 wins over their former rivals, to Barcelona’s 73.
The origin of their great rivalry is actually politically charged. Barcelona FC, better known affectionately as Barça (correct pronunciation “Barsa”), is the champion of the Catalan region and its towns, while Real Madrid was associated many years ago with Franco’s fascist regime. This clash between the people and the establishment was the basis for what is one of the fiercest sports rivalries in the world today.
There is an amazing story that tells of the fate of one Alfredo di Stefano, now a legendary figure for both clubs. His arrival in Spain from Argentina’s Deportivo Los Millonarios came amid fierce competition between Real Madrid and Barça, who were desperate to sign the player. In the ensuing confusion over the bitter argument over who he would play for, it was decided that he would play for Real one year and Barça the next.
The intense confrontation between the two clubs is being compared to a re-enactment of the Spanish Civil War, a situation that recently escalated when last Wednesday Real Madrid manager José Mourinho poked the assistant coach in the eye of Real Madrid. Barça, Tito Vianova, after previous incidents on the pitch. . Many fear that the bad feelings between the two clubs will spread to the national team, which currently has nine Barca players in its squad.
But all rivalries aside, these two great clubs have put on some wonderful shows of brilliant football in recent years, although it is an undeniable fact that FC Barcelona is very much on the rise at the moment. His explosive style of football is hard for any other club to follow, and he has humbled many other great football clubs around the world, as he did to Manchester United when he beat them in last season’s European Cup final.
Barcelona FC is currently THE club to watch out for. In recent head-to-head meetings with Real Madrid, Barca have won 6 of the last 10 games, and Real only managed 2 wins; the other games are being raffled. Barcelona posted their longest unbeaten run in La Liga last season at 28 games without losing, and with nine of their current team in the international squad, they are truly a force to be reckoned with. Real Madrid eats the heart!