What you need to know about El Clasico ⚽
What is El Clasico?
El Clasico refers to football matches between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid C.F., two of Spain's most famous and bitter rivals. During the regular season, the two teams encounter twice, with additional meetings in the Copa del Rey, Champions League, and Supercopa de Espana, as well as the UEFA Super Cup.
Description of El Clasico
Through the El Clasico, every year the citizens of Catalonia (Barcelona is the capital) have proclaimed their independence from Spain. It is possibly the most-watched and talked-about fixture. The prestigious El Clasico started on May 13, 1902. The two teams have met each other in 228 competitive matches. Real Madrid has a slight advantage with 92 wins over their rivals Barcelona with 89 wins. The remaining 48 encounters ended in a draw. However, if exhibition matches are included, Barcelona has the advantage with 108 wins over Real Madrid’s 96. Barcelona and Real Madrid have won a combined 54 Spanish League Championships and are arguably the two richest clubs in the sport.
In the history of the legendary match between Los Galacticos (Real Madrid) and the Blaugrana, Lionel Messi has the most goals (21) and Manuel Sanchez Hontiyuelo, a retired Spanish player, has the most appearances (43) (Barcelona). Even though players like Luis Milla, Michael Laudrup, Luis Enrique, and Luis Figo have played for both Spanish clubs, Ronaldo is the only player to have scored in both El Clasicos. Before his transfer to Real Madrid, which made him the most expensive player of the time, the Portuguese star Figo was adored by Barcelona fans. During the game, however, he was confronted by enraged fans, who even tossed a pig's head at him.
Key Features
Real Madrid leads in head-to-head results in competitive matches with 100 wins to Barcelona's 96 with 52 draws; Barcelona leads in exhibition matches with 19 victories to Madrid's 4 with 10 draws and in total matches with 115 wins to Madrid's 104 with 62 draws as of the match played on 12 January 2022.
Most wins: Competitive matches: Real Madrid (100); Exhibition matches: Barcelona ...
Present meeting: Real Madrid vs. Barcelona; La Liga (20 March 2022)
Largest victory: Real Madrid 11–1 Barcelona; Copa del Rey; (19 June 1943)