Real Madrid and Barcelona meet in LaLiga this weekend, in the 2024/25 season‘s first edition of ’El Clásico'.
When LaLiga arch rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona face off, the clash is famously referred to as ‘El Clásico'. Legendary as it may be, some people are still asking how the name, which literally translates as ‘The Classic’, came to be. Ahead of this weekend’s latest clash between Madrid and Barça, allow us to give a little more insight into that.
El Clásico aka Barcelona vs Real Madrid
There are numerous huge derbies around the world of soccer, and depending on how you define the rivalry or spectacle, many can argue to be the biggest or best. That said, it’s hard to ignore the pulling power of Spain’s most successful clubs going head to head. Anyway, we’re not here, today at least, to make a case either way in this regard.
It is worth noting that the name ‘El Clásico’ goes further back than these two clubs - with the passionate River Plate and Boca Juniors rivalry in Argentina also having the tag - but there’s no doubt that to the average soccer fan in most countries, Spain’s big two are better known for it. Another factor not everyone realises is that the name ‘El Clásico’ used to only refer to Madrid and Barça meeting in the league, whereas now it applies to any time they clash.
El Clásico: where the stars align
One of the reasons behind this being such a famous encounter is the list of superstars that have graced it.
From Barça greats like Ronaldinho, Andrés Iniesta, Rivaldo, Xavi and Lionel Messi, to Alfredo di Stefano, Raúl, Roberto Carlos, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo in Madrid, the list of household names could stretch this article in the way that many of these players could an opposition defence. And then there are the controversial few who, at the top of their game, decided to make the switch between teams: Ronaldo Nazário and Luis Figo.
Top-notch players and headline-grabbers aside, there is so much more to this fixture.
Barça and Madrid ideological clash
Although it is more nuanced than is often made out, Madrid represent Spanish nationalism - most notably during the Franco years - while Barcelona fly the flag, literally, for Catalan independence.
These two huge and rich cities have so many other reasons to be rivals and the soccer has just been another outlet for the feelings.
nuyaeinopu
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Real Madrid is winning 3 - 1
Yabablmnos
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Yamal fixture
Royalkid1
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The clash between Real Madrid and Barcelona is known as "El Clásico" because it’s one of the most famous and historically significant rivalries in soccer. It represents not only a competition between Spain's two most successful clubs but also a cultural and political divide, with Real Madrid traditionally symbolizing Spanish centralism and Barcelona often seen as a symbol of Catalan identity and pride. Over time, their matches have drawn global attention due to the intense rivalry, legendary players, and high stakes, making each encounter a "classic" in the sport.