Author: Sufiyan Pathan
EmailID: [email protected]
EmailID: [email protected]
El Clásico is the ultimate clash between Spain's most prolific clubs: FC Barcelona and Real Madrid admired, followed not only in Spain and Europe but the whole World. However, it's not their legendary status that makes this match-up so extraordinary; it's the history that trails behind them that truly wraps the astronomical weight the rivalry carries. Other than UEFA Champions League Final, it is the biggest football club game in the world, and is among the most viewed annual sports events.
In just a few days,Real Madrid will host Barcelona in the season's first Clásico at Santiago Bernabeu, and emotions will be running faster than a locomotive on a downhill track. Having only regained control of La Liga couple of weeks ago, Barça will be keen to stand their ground and even extend their cushion over Los Blancos with a victory, a crucial win that may be worth even more than three points in terms of the head-to-head record between the two sides, depending on the final result of course. And since they are enjoying the first two spots in current standings of Liga BBVA. So it is another big reason not to miss this game.
In just a few days,Real Madrid will host Barcelona in the season's first Clásico at Santiago Bernabeu, and emotions will be running faster than a locomotive on a downhill track. Having only regained control of La Liga couple of weeks ago, Barça will be keen to stand their ground and even extend their cushion over Los Blancos with a victory, a crucial win that may be worth even more than three points in terms of the head-to-head record between the two sides, depending on the final result of course. And since they are enjoying the first two spots in current standings of Liga BBVA. So it is another big reason not to miss this game.
HISTORY OF EL CLASICO
The rivalry comes about as Madrid and Barcelona are the two largest cities in Spain, and they are sometimes identified with opposing political positions, with Real Madrid viewed as representing Spanish nationalism and Barcelona viewed as representing Catalan nationalism. The rivalry is regarded as one of the biggest in world sport. The two clubs are among the richest and most successful football clubs in the world; in 2014 they were ranked the world's two most valuable sports teams. Both clubs have a global fan base; they are the world's two most followed sports teams on social media.
The rivalry was intensified during the 1950s when the clubs disputed the signing of Alfredo Di Stéfano. Both Real Madrid and Barcelona attempted to sign him and due to confusion that emerged from Di Stéfano moving to Millonarios from Club Atlético River Plate. Luís Figo’s transfer from Barcelona to Real Madrid in 2000 resulted in a hate campaign by some of his former club's fans. Players transferring from Real Madrid to Barcelona are less frequent, the most recent being Luis Enrique, who went to Barcelona in 1996 where he went on to captain Barcelona, and became the manager of Barcelona in 2014.
In recent years, the rivalry has been ignited by the rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo followed by stars such as Neymar, Suarez and Benzema, Bale to formation of trios like MSN(Messi, Suarez, Neymar) v/s BBC(Bale, Benzema, Cristiano).
The rivalry was intensified during the 1950s when the clubs disputed the signing of Alfredo Di Stéfano. Both Real Madrid and Barcelona attempted to sign him and due to confusion that emerged from Di Stéfano moving to Millonarios from Club Atlético River Plate. Luís Figo’s transfer from Barcelona to Real Madrid in 2000 resulted in a hate campaign by some of his former club's fans. Players transferring from Real Madrid to Barcelona are less frequent, the most recent being Luis Enrique, who went to Barcelona in 1996 where he went on to captain Barcelona, and became the manager of Barcelona in 2014.
In recent years, the rivalry has been ignited by the rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo followed by stars such as Neymar, Suarez and Benzema, Bale to formation of trios like MSN(Messi, Suarez, Neymar) v/s BBC(Bale, Benzema, Cristiano).
NO LEGENDS FOR THE FIRST TIME
This will be the first El Clasico where the legend of both sides will be missed, Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez is also the player with most appearances in the El Clasico (42). While his counterpart, Iker Casillas had made 36 appearances. Both legends share a special bond between them and supported each other in difficult times. Xavi ended his Barcelona career on a high note, having helped the club to success in La Liga and moved to Qatar side Al Sadd this summer. Meanwhile, three times Champions League winner, Iker Casillas ended his association with Real Madrid in the summer with a tearful eye and sealed a move to FC Porto. El Clasico will not be the same without the two legends.
PLAYERS WHO ENROBED BOTH KITS
Barca then Madrid
Madrid then Barça
- 1906: Charles Wallace
- 1906: José Quirante
- 1911: Alfonso Albéniz
- 1911: Arsenio Comamala
- 1913: Walter Rozitsky
- 1930: Ricardo Zamora - Through Espanyol
- 1932: Josep Samitier
- 1950: Alfonso Navarro
- 1961: Justo Tejada
- 1962: Evaristo de Macedo
- 1965: Fernand Goyvaerts
- 1988: Bernd Schuster
- 1990: Luis Milla
- 1992: Fernando ”Nando” Muñoz
- 1994: Michael Laudrup
- 1995: Miquel Soler - Through Sevilla
- 2000: Luís Figo
- 2000: Albert Celades - Through Celta Vigo
- 2002: Ronaldo - Through Internazionale
- 2007: Javier Saviola
Madrid then Barça
- 1905: Luciano Lizarraga
- 1939: Hilario Through Valencia
- 1961: Jesús María Pereda - Through Real Valladolid, then Sevilla
- 1965: Lucien Muller
- 1980: Lorenzo Amador - Through Hércules
- 1994: Gheorghe Hagi - Through Brescia
- 1994: Julen Lopetegui - Through Logroñés
- 1995: Robert Prosinečki - Through Real Oviedo
- 1996: Luis Enrique
- 1999: Daniel García Lara - Through Real Mallorca
- 2000: Alfonso Pérez - Through Real Betis
- 2004: Samuel Eto'o - Through Real Mallorca
ACHIEVEMENTS
When it comes to achievements, Real Madrid and Barcelona are the first names that come in our head considering Spanish Football. Both Real Madrid and Barcelona fans are egoistic and are proud of their clubs achievements as their club is second to none in Spain. But which is the most successful club among them? This is really difficult to answer as both clubs are edging past each other season by season.
Below,we take a look at the achievements of both the clubs according to the information provided by FIFA:
FIFA Club World Cup
Barcelona-2
Real Madrid-1
UEFA Champions League
Barcelona-5
Real Madrid-10
UEFA Europa League
Barcelona-0
Real Madrid-2
UEFA Super Cup
Barcelona-5
Real Madrid-2
La Liga
Barcelona-23
Real Madrid-32
Copa Del Rey
Barcelona-27
Real Madrid-19
Supercopa De Espana
Barcelona-11
Real Madrid-9
TOTAL
Barcelona-73
Real Madrid-75
Below,we take a look at the achievements of both the clubs according to the information provided by FIFA:
FIFA Club World Cup
Barcelona-2
Real Madrid-1
UEFA Champions League
Barcelona-5
Real Madrid-10
UEFA Europa League
Barcelona-0
Real Madrid-2
UEFA Super Cup
Barcelona-5
Real Madrid-2
La Liga
Barcelona-23
Real Madrid-32
Copa Del Rey
Barcelona-27
Real Madrid-19
Supercopa De Espana
Barcelona-11
Real Madrid-9
TOTAL
Barcelona-73
Real Madrid-75
UGLY FIGHTS OF EL CLASICO
The first thing that comes to our mind when we hear the words "El Clasico" are the ugliest fights this derby has ever witnessed. The rivalry explodes to such an extent where even the teammates of national team fight on the pitch. Real Madrid and FC Barcelona have redefined the word 'rivalry' as ugly fights, fouls, dives and red cards have become a common sight in an El Clasico derby. The dirty side of El Clasico was a result of the tremendous pressure faced by the players and managers from both sides of fans. The fans cannot bear the sight of their team losing to their rival club. High expectations and to claim a supremacy over the other also mounts the pressure on the players. The rivalry sparks and takes a new turn if the referee gives a wrong decision in this derby or a controversial goal is scored. In this derby, not only the players but also the fans of both sides are equally involved.
EXPECTATION FROM THE FIXTURE
TEAM NEWS
Barcelona
Multiple boosts ahead of El Clasico for the Catalans. Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has returned to training for the first time on Monday in seven weeks who was out of action since sept 26 as his team prepare for the season's first 'El Clasico' against Real Madrid on Saturday. Ivan Rakitic who picked up a calf injury on 4 November and German shot stopper Marc André ter Stegen also trained after missing last week sessions due to dental surgery.
Barcelona midfielder Javier Mascherano is expected to recover from a knock in time for Argentina's World Cup qualifier against Colombia. The 31-year-old, who plays as a defender for the Catalan giants, was reported to have suffered a muscle spasm in Argentina's 1-1 draw with Brazil in Buenos Aires on 14 November. There were fears that Mascherano would be forced to sit out of Barcelona's hotly-anticipated clash with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu on 21 November. However he trained normally after the Brazil match and is likely to start for Argentina against Colombia on 17 November.
The squad was without the players on international duty during Monday’s training session, who are mostly set to return on Wednesday and Thursday. Rest Rafinha still faces long term on the sidelines due to his knee surgery and Douglas with his fractured right foot.
Real Madrid
Keylor Navas was not able to play in Real Madrid’s last game against Sevilla. Los Blancos ended up losing that match 3-2 and the Costa Rican decided to spend this FIFA break recovering from this injury in order to feature in the upcoming Clásico. While reports says that Keylor will rejoin his teammates this Thursday completely healed from his groin injury.
Sergio Ramos suffered a dislocated left shoulder that still continues to generate pain and got even worse when the player fell on ground after scoring a beautiful overhead kick against his former club Sevilla. The club are hopeful that the problem referred to the time is not necessary to get operated right now. So as for the question of Real Madrid captain’s return before El Clasico, it is still uncertain. Gareth Bale didn’t get on the pitch against Sevilla but is set to start alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in the much awaited mouthwatering clash of the Spanish giants this Saturday.
Karim Benzema and Dani Carvajal will most likely recover in time to play the crucial Clásico on November 21. Both of them have been on the sidelines for a while and Rafa Benítez has surely missed them during Real's recent games. Cristiano Ronaldo has been the one playing as the team's main striker when the French has been injured. Ronaldo's form could not be worse at the moment so playing alongside his French teammate could help him. Benzema is a crucial player in Real's offensive system and that's why Benítez will surely trust him as soon as he is ready to go.
Bad news for Rafa and the rest of Real Madrid's coaching staff. Isco had to leave Spain's training camp on Nov 11 experiencing muscle problems. The Spanish midfielder underwent some tests on that injury and Spain's medical staff decided to send him home to recover properly since nobody knows yet how long he will be out. Isco had been a crucial player for Real Madrid ever since James Rodríguez got injured. Now that the Colombian is ready to play, Benítez will almost be forced to start James until Isco recovers from this injury. Brazilian left back Marcelo may also make it for El Clasico who was out of Brazil squad this month due to muscle contraction on his left thigh.
Form Guide (only La Liga)
Barcelona- LWWWW
Real Madrid- DWWWL
Last Meeting
Barcelona 2-1 Real Madrid- 23rd March’2015- La Liga
Mathieu put the Blaugrana ahead in the setpiece after directing header into the Madrid's net from a lovely curler by Lionel Messi, much to the delight of the hosting Barcelona fans. Later Real Madrid struck back courtesy after Cristiano Ronaldo finished clinically giving justice to Benzema’s clever back heel on a swift counter attack just before halftime. But it was Uruguayan beast Luis Suarez who differentiated this clasico with Ramos this time caught out by a ball over the top from Alves which sent Suarez clear and showed great control before guiding the ball into the far corner of the net with a fine finish.
Likely Line-ups
Barcelona (4-3-3): Bravo; Alves, Piqué, Mascherano, Alba; Busquets, Rakitić, Iniesta; Messi, Suarez, Neymar.
Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Navas; Carvajal, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo; Kroos, Modric; Ronaldo, James, Bale; Benzema
Barcelona
Multiple boosts ahead of El Clasico for the Catalans. Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has returned to training for the first time on Monday in seven weeks who was out of action since sept 26 as his team prepare for the season's first 'El Clasico' against Real Madrid on Saturday. Ivan Rakitic who picked up a calf injury on 4 November and German shot stopper Marc André ter Stegen also trained after missing last week sessions due to dental surgery.
Barcelona midfielder Javier Mascherano is expected to recover from a knock in time for Argentina's World Cup qualifier against Colombia. The 31-year-old, who plays as a defender for the Catalan giants, was reported to have suffered a muscle spasm in Argentina's 1-1 draw with Brazil in Buenos Aires on 14 November. There were fears that Mascherano would be forced to sit out of Barcelona's hotly-anticipated clash with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu on 21 November. However he trained normally after the Brazil match and is likely to start for Argentina against Colombia on 17 November.
The squad was without the players on international duty during Monday’s training session, who are mostly set to return on Wednesday and Thursday. Rest Rafinha still faces long term on the sidelines due to his knee surgery and Douglas with his fractured right foot.
Real Madrid
Keylor Navas was not able to play in Real Madrid’s last game against Sevilla. Los Blancos ended up losing that match 3-2 and the Costa Rican decided to spend this FIFA break recovering from this injury in order to feature in the upcoming Clásico. While reports says that Keylor will rejoin his teammates this Thursday completely healed from his groin injury.
Sergio Ramos suffered a dislocated left shoulder that still continues to generate pain and got even worse when the player fell on ground after scoring a beautiful overhead kick against his former club Sevilla. The club are hopeful that the problem referred to the time is not necessary to get operated right now. So as for the question of Real Madrid captain’s return before El Clasico, it is still uncertain. Gareth Bale didn’t get on the pitch against Sevilla but is set to start alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in the much awaited mouthwatering clash of the Spanish giants this Saturday.
Karim Benzema and Dani Carvajal will most likely recover in time to play the crucial Clásico on November 21. Both of them have been on the sidelines for a while and Rafa Benítez has surely missed them during Real's recent games. Cristiano Ronaldo has been the one playing as the team's main striker when the French has been injured. Ronaldo's form could not be worse at the moment so playing alongside his French teammate could help him. Benzema is a crucial player in Real's offensive system and that's why Benítez will surely trust him as soon as he is ready to go.
Bad news for Rafa and the rest of Real Madrid's coaching staff. Isco had to leave Spain's training camp on Nov 11 experiencing muscle problems. The Spanish midfielder underwent some tests on that injury and Spain's medical staff decided to send him home to recover properly since nobody knows yet how long he will be out. Isco had been a crucial player for Real Madrid ever since James Rodríguez got injured. Now that the Colombian is ready to play, Benítez will almost be forced to start James until Isco recovers from this injury. Brazilian left back Marcelo may also make it for El Clasico who was out of Brazil squad this month due to muscle contraction on his left thigh.
Form Guide (only La Liga)
Barcelona- LWWWW
Real Madrid- DWWWL
Last Meeting
Barcelona 2-1 Real Madrid- 23rd March’2015- La Liga
Mathieu put the Blaugrana ahead in the setpiece after directing header into the Madrid's net from a lovely curler by Lionel Messi, much to the delight of the hosting Barcelona fans. Later Real Madrid struck back courtesy after Cristiano Ronaldo finished clinically giving justice to Benzema’s clever back heel on a swift counter attack just before halftime. But it was Uruguayan beast Luis Suarez who differentiated this clasico with Ramos this time caught out by a ball over the top from Alves which sent Suarez clear and showed great control before guiding the ball into the far corner of the net with a fine finish.
Likely Line-ups
Barcelona (4-3-3): Bravo; Alves, Piqué, Mascherano, Alba; Busquets, Rakitić, Iniesta; Messi, Suarez, Neymar.
Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Navas; Carvajal, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo; Kroos, Modric; Ronaldo, James, Bale; Benzema
PREDICTIONS:
As the Santiago Bernabeu is hosting the first leg of El Clasico 2015-16, Real Madrid would like to take the advantage of home crowd. The vikings have not lost any home game in this season so far, but it doesn’t mean it’ll last forever.
Barcelona are currently leading the league table with 27 points, 3 points more than Real Madrid and the inform South American duo of Neymar and Suarez without Messi are on demolition mode. Hope Messi joins the attack soon completing the trio.
Goals. Drama. Excitement. Tension. Relief. In that order
TOP THREE PREDICTIONS
Who do you think will be the winner?
What are your expectations from the game?
Comment in your views about El Clasico
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Cheers!
As the Santiago Bernabeu is hosting the first leg of El Clasico 2015-16, Real Madrid would like to take the advantage of home crowd. The vikings have not lost any home game in this season so far, but it doesn’t mean it’ll last forever.
Barcelona are currently leading the league table with 27 points, 3 points more than Real Madrid and the inform South American duo of Neymar and Suarez without Messi are on demolition mode. Hope Messi joins the attack soon completing the trio.
Goals. Drama. Excitement. Tension. Relief. In that order
TOP THREE PREDICTIONS
- Real Madrid 1 – 3 Barcelona
- Real Madrid 2 – 1 Barcelona
- Real Madrid 2 – 2 Barcelona
Who do you think will be the winner?
What are your expectations from the game?
Comment in your views about El Clasico
Share the blog.
Cheers!