Perhaps the most legendary rivalry in all of sports, Real Madrid and F.C. Barcelona have been at each others’ throats since their first match in1928. In the United States it might be compared to the Red Sox and the Yankees, but this rivalry stems from much deeper roots, and quickly eclipses all others once the facts are presented.
Madrid and Barcelona are Spain’s two largest cities, erected in two very different regions: Castile and Catalonia. Each region has its own culture, customs, and even politics, yet they both share a passion for football and their beloved home team. In the end, today’s matches are strictly about a La Liga trophy and the coveted bragging rights that accompany it, yet this was not always the case.
Spain’s political history runs deep with turmoil and war, and these two sides often found themselves in opposing viewpoints. Of course, the players on the field were just that, football players, but the bi-annual match-up, known as El Clásico, at times meant much more to the fans. As Madrid represented the capital city, throughout several regimes they became the team of central Spain, while Barcelona embodied the hearts and minds of the outer, independent regions. However, when Civil War broke out just eight years after the teams’ first meeting, neither side escaped the suffering of the dictator, Francisco Franco’s, supporters. In fact, the presidents of both clubs were captured and imprisoned by Franco’s troops during the catastrophe.La Liga ceased play for three years during the fighting, but in the 1939/1940 season, the bitter rivalry continued forth without interruption.
By the 1950’s, tension between the two sides intensified as both developed the habit of pursuing young talent from around the world (particularly South America); as a result, each team found themselves in a constant struggle to land the same potential stars, constantly trying to gain the upper-hand in El Clásico. The most famous case of this is Alfredo di Stéfano, who was all but signed by Barcelona before controversy ensued over his contract and he ended up in Madrid. Once there, di Stéfano became an international superstar leading the Whites to five consecutive European titles along with eight Spanish titles in eleven years. To make the signing even more bitter for Barca, di Stéfano netted three goals for Madrid in his first El Clásico, just weeks after choosing his allegiance to the Menergues.
Today, the rivalry continues to thrive as players constantly shuffle between the teams, and the eyes of the entire world focus in on these two legendary football clubs. Since their first match in 1928, Real Madrid has the upper hand with a record of 66-30-58 (Barcelona is 58-30-66 respectively), but the match-up has been even tighter in recent years. Neither side has swept the season series since the 1997/1998 season and in the years since they’ve been dead even at 5-8-5. Needless to say, this year’s El Clásico will be one for the ages, adding to what has proven to be the most exciting rivalry in the world of sports.
Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid are two clubs with greatly contrasting identities who have experienced drastically different fates on the pitch. Going head-to-head, Real has a record of 75-31-35 against their cross-town rival, but that is the last thing on Real’s mind each time they journey south to Vicente Calderón Stadium; the past is set aside for each match, and both teams prepare for their most recent chance to capture the hearts and minds of Madrid.
Twice a year, the city of Madrid is whipped into a frenzy and an entire community’s hopes rest on 90 minutes of football. Despite the history or the current squad’s success, each team’s fans stay loyal to their colors, knowing an entire season can be saved with one simple victory against their respective rival.
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