Facts too interesting to ignore, about the one and only El Clasico

Whenever we're talking about El Clasico, we're talking about the biggest rivalry in world football. This fixture is absolutely not just a 'Clash of The Titans' , but also a day when millions of hearts are pounding together for their teams. 

El Clasico is amongst the sport's most historic and celebrated rivalries, and it goes without saying that it has been a 'litmus' test for the greatest of players and managers. On the other hand, the contention between the two football clubs goes far above the field. 

We have to admit that the Spanish La Liga is no longer a Batman vs Superman clash between Barcelona and Real Madrid. But inspite of this, El Clasico remains the most crucial and anticipated fixture of the entire calendar year. 

Here we take a look at some interesting but lesser known facts about this arch-rivalry of these two legendary clubs. 

1. Rivalry at its best 

Regarded by many as the greatest and the longest rivalry in footballing history, the first El Clasico was played on May 13, 1902.

Since then, the two teams have netted a mammoth of 733 goals between them in 221 clashes. Insane, right ? 

May 13, 1902. The beginning of an era. 

2. All eyes on the ball ( quite literally )

El Clasico is traditionally the second most widely watched football tie, only after the UEFA Champions League Final. 

In the previous fixture in 2015, the epic game won the eyes of a massive number i.e. 400 million viewers worldwide. DAMN! 

Two of the best fan bases in the world.

3. Double Delight

An astonishing number of 21 players ( seriously, this isn't a typing error ) have performed for both Real Madrid and Barcelona. 

This list includes some heavyweights such as Bernd Schuster, Gheorghe Hagi, and the likes of Samuel Eto'o, Javier Saviola and Ronaldo de Lima as the recent entrants. 

Samuel Eto'o in both Real Madrid and Barcelona colours. Some legend, eh ?!

4. The Pasillo 

Another interesting touch to this rivalry is the tradition of The Pasillo. 

Traditionally, if either Real Madrid or Barcelona have virtually won the league before the El Clasico takes place, then the other team gives the former a guard of honour called The Pasillo. 

Barcelona giving the guard of honour to Real Madrid in 2008

  

This has happened thrice, the most recent being on 7 May, 2008. 

5. The Di Stefano factor

The oldest rivalry in football began to grow, back in the 1950's during one of the most controversial moments in El Clasico history. 

The Argentine giant Alfredo Di Stefano who was playing for Millionaros Futbol Club, attracted the eyes of world football with the likes Real Madrid and Barcelona attempting to gain his services. 

But due to a terrible misunderstanding, Di Stefano ended up signing for both the Spanish clubs. Yes, you read it right. BOTH MADRID AND BARCELONA. All thanks to the Colombian club where he was playing at that time. 

The rivalry reached its peak with this controversy between the two clubs.

It was an unprecedented move when Di Stefano ended up signing for both the clubs, but in the end the former Real Madrid President Santiago Bernabeu convinced him to choose his side over Barcelona. 

And the rest is history! 

Alfredo Di Stefano has won 5 European Cups and 8 League Titles with Real Madrid 

6. Luis Figo and the Hog's head 

Oh boy! This one shows us the side of football we all hate to see. 

Portugese winger Luis Figo suffered a hideous incident after completing his transfer ( which was another unprecedented event at that time ) from Barcelona to Madrid for a record 56 Million Euros.

This subsequently turned him into public enemy no.1 on the streets of Barcelona, especially in the Camp Nou. 

Luis Figo signs for Real Madrid from Barcelona 

 

In his first appearance for Real Madrid on rival grounds, the crowd jeered him and threw a hog's head on the pitch as they shouted "mercenary!" and other insults when he approached the stands. 

To this day, Luis Figo remains the most famous 'traitor' for Barcelona fans. Here's how it happened. 

7. Mini Battles 

El Clasico has traditionally been a saga of mini battles between stars of world football. 

The latest one being between the two best players in the world right now, Messi and Ronaldo. 

Definitely the best rivalry in football history. A milestone for football

Messi is currently the highest scoring player in El Clasico history, with 21 goals to his name. He overtook Di Stefano's record of 18 goals with a hattrick on 23 March 2014, doing it in his own style. 

Ronaldo on the other hand also has a brilliant goal scoring record in El Clasico history, with 15 goals to his name, just 6 short of Messi's tally. 

8. Neymar vs Bale : The New Rivalry 

Apart from the high price that Real Madrid and Barcelona paid for these superstars, their performances have been outstanding since their arrival in Spain. 

Gareth Bale with 26 years and Neymar with 24 years of age, show some promising and fascinating skills to be a massive part of future football. 

The future of football

Bale became instrumental in his debut season for Real Madrid's double-trophy-winning season, by scoring crucial goals in both Copa Del Rey and UEFA Champions League Finals. The Welshman proved the world that he was worth every penny, and he wasn't even at his level best. 

As for Neymar, the Brazilian forward didn't have the best debut season for Barcelona. But he burst into form at the start of this campaign, scoring 22 goals in 28 La Liga appearances, leading the competition with his team. 

Have a look at these two superstars this season! 

Their best days are just around the corner. And believe me, its worth the wait. 

9. 'Blink and miss' action

Real Madrid and Barcelona are both known for their attacking football and ferocious appetite for goals. 

Hence, it's not a surprise that most El Clasico encounters have been high scoring and entertaining matches. 

Here's a glimpse of some action from the legendary rivalry in the 21st century. 

FACT : In an El Clasico played on 13 June, 1943 Real Madrid had routed a hapless Barcelona with a scoreline of 11-1. Who would've thought ?

Barca fans. LOOK AWAY! 

10. Googly

While both the teams have always approached the game with every intention to rout the opposition with the firepower to make it possible, there have been SEVEN, I repeat SEVEN scoreless ties between the two teams. 

What happens when the players get distracted ? No Goals

I'm lucky enough to have not seen any of those ties between these two clubs. 

Such an occurrence is almost unimaginable in present day, given the firepower of the two teams. 

So finally its the big day, and its time for the world to stop for 90 mins. Who will it be today ? 

Messi or Ronaldo ?

Neymar or Bale ?

Suarez or Benzema ?

MSN or BBC ?

Will Madrid avenge the 4-0 routing by Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu ? 

Or will Barcelona push for the title with another victory over the Los Blancos ?

Well tune in to SONY SIX at 12:00 a.m. tonight for a killer display of passion and football. Cheers!