What is El Clasico? El Clasico is a match between the two biggest clubs in Spain, Barcelona and Real Madrid. Do you know anything interesting about this match between the two clubs? Let’s find out with 7GAME more in the article below.
What is El Clasico?
El Clasico is a football match between the two biggest clubs in Spain, Barcelona and Real Madrid. This match attracts a lot of attention from fans, not only because these two clubs represent Spain, but also because of their status.
But that’s not all; this match also brings together many world superstars such as Johan Cruyff, Sergio Ramos, Luka Modric, Raul Gonzalez, Ronaldinho… And above all, the rivalry between two great football stars: Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Furthermore, these two teams are also the two most successful clubs in Spanish football to date. They have always harbored intense rivalry, eliminating each other in the knockout rounds of domestic and European competitions to win championships or complete transfer deals.
The Origin of the Term El Clasico
The origin of the term “El Clasico” stems from the intense and fierce confrontations between Real Madrid and Barcelona. From 1900 to 1916, the relationship between the two teams remained good. But in 1916, in the Copa del Rey semi-final, the two teams had an unnecessary conflict.
That year, Barca won the first leg, but Real Madrid won the second leg. The two teams then went into extra time but still drew. They then participated in the play-off round, where Real Madrid won. However, this victory did not satisfy Barça, as they believed the referee had favored Real Madrid.
It was from this match that the conflict between the two teams erupted. This also marked the first historical milestone, to the point that every encounter between these two clubs is called “Clasico”.
In the fourth match of the Copa del Rey in 1916, the two teams met on the pitch. And the scenario repeated itself. Once again, Real Madrid reached the round of 16 and won. This time, Barça fans protested the referee’s decision.
The final was held at Barça’s home stadium, and Real Madrid won. Real Madrid was then attacked and insulted by Barça fans. From then on, the rivalry between the two teams deepened and divided Spanish football into two distinct factions. From this, the term “El Clasico” was born, and it still exists today.
The History of El Clasico
The first recorded Clasico match took place in 1902 as part of the Coronation Cup, the predecessor of the Copa del Rey. Barcelona defeated Real Madrid, marking the beginning of a relationship that has lasted for over a century.
Throughout the 20th century, El Clasico became the most anticipated match in Spain. Especially during the Franco dictatorship (1939–1975), Real Madrid was seen as the team representing the central government, while Barcelona became a symbol of resistance and Catalan pride. This political and social factor contributed to the tension between the two teams in every match.
The Golden Age of the Clasico
In its more than 100-year history, El Clasico has witnessed many highlights:
The 1950s – Di Stéfano and the beginning of Real Madrid’s greatness: After Alfredo Di Stéfano chose Real Madrid over Barcelona, the royal club entered its golden age with countless European championships. This was a crucial turning point that contributed to the fierce rivalry.
The 1980s – “The White Eagles” and the “Dream Team”: Real Madrid, with the “La Quinta del Buitre” generation, dominated La Liga, but Barcelona under Johan Cruyff with their “Dream Team” were equally competitive and created breathtaking matches.
The Galácticos vs. Ronaldinho era (2000-2008): Real Madrid possessed stars like Zidane, Figo, Ronaldo, and Beckham. Conversely, Barcelona possessed Ronaldinho, Eto’o, and Xavi. Matches during this period were always incredibly intense, especially the game where Ronaldinho was applauded enthusiastically by the Bernabéu crowd.
Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo (2009–2018). This match can be considered the pinnacle of El Clasico. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, the two greatest superstars of the 21st century, dominated world football together. Every El Clasico during this period was a resounding success, watched by hundreds of millions of people worldwide.
The Most Memorable El Clasico Matches of All Time
Real Madrid 4-2 Barcelona (La Liga – April 10, 2005)
The El Clasico in April 2005 was considered a rare occasion when Real Madrid’s stars played together under coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo.
Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, Raúl, and Michael Owen all scored in Real Madrid’s 4-2 victory. Ronaldinho also scored a stunning goal for Barça.
Barcelona 3-3 Real Madrid (La Liga – March 10, 2007)
This season, Messi was the top scorer in El Clasico matches, with 26 goals. Among these matches, the game in March 2007 cannot be overlooked.
In the 3-3 draw at Camp Nou, Messi single-handedly scored a hat-trick, helping Barça avoid defeat at home. Surprisingly, this was his first hat-trick in an El Clasico.
Real Madrid 2-6 Barcelona (La Liga – May 2, 2009)
Barcelona is the only team to have scored more than five goals in an El Clasico. At the end of the 2008-09 season, Real Madrid were without their star player, Cristiano Ronaldo. Messi and Henry each scored two goals, while Xavi set a record with four assists.
Barcelona 5-0 Real Madrid (La Liga – November 29, 2010)
This was one of the most exciting matches for FC Barcelona under Pep Guardiola. At home, Barça thrashed Real Madrid 5-0. The goals were scored by Xavi, with David Villa scoring a brace, Pedro, and Jeffren Suarez each netting a goal.
