History of El Classico:
‘The classic’ is the English translation of the Spanish word ‘El Classico’. This is not just a normal match, to many, it’s more than a game. It represents two different genres, beliefs, philosophies, and much more than just an ordinary match. The first match between these two elite sides took place in 1902. However, it doesn’t carry that much significance back then.
Real Madrid always has the blessings of the Royal family of Spain, on the other hand, Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, a state which wants to be a complete nation, wants to separate from Spain. Gradually the two clubs started to represent two different types of people. Real was the club for rich, aristocratic, and rulers whereas, Barca facilitated the opposite class, the fighters, poor, rustic, and general people. In the mid-40s of the last century, this match started to become a great occasion and attracted crowds from all corners of the continent.
The dignity of the match increases with time as many great players were and are playing for both clubs which attracts the fans and spectators. The rivalry increased sometimes because of the transfer of a certain player also. For instance, Real stole Figo from the Catalan club and fans threw a head of a pig towards the Portuguese. Alfredo di Stefano verbally gave words to both clubs, nevertheless, Barca didn’t want to have a player who couldn’t commit fully to them. This kind of thing adds spices to the event.
Numbers and Statistics of El Classico:
Matches:
| Competitive | Friendly | Total | |
| Matches | 248 | 33 | 281 |
| Real Won | 100 | 04 | 104 |
| Barcelona Won | 96 | 19 | 115 |
| Draws | 52 | 10 | 62 |
Accolades:
| Barcelona | Tournament | Real Madrid |
| 26 | Laliga | 34 |
| 31 | Copa Del Rey | 19 |
| 13 | Spanish Supercup | 12 |
| 05 | UCL | 13 |
| 05 | Uefa Super Cup | 04 |
| 03 | FIFA Club World Cup | 04 |
| 14 | Others | 10 |
| 97 | Overall | 96 |
Records:
Most games played-
- Lionel Messi – 45
- Sergio Ramos – 45
Most goals scored-
- Lionel Messi – 26
- Alfredo di Stefano -18
- Cristiano Ronaldo – 18
Most Assist provider-
- Lionel Messi – 14
Biggest win margin-
- Real Madrid 11-1 Barcelona, Copa Del Rey, 19 June 1943.
- Barcelona 7-2 Real Madrid, La Liga, 24 September 1950.
Longest winning streak-
- Real Madrid, 7 matches. 1962- 1965
- Barcelona, 5 matches. 2008- 2010
Managers:
Both clubs have rich lists of high-profile managers. Some of them brought success, others failed. Spanish Coach Miguel Munoj appeared record 36 times in the El Classic. From Barca, it’s Dutch legend Johan Cruyff who managed 25 games.
Although willingly or unwillingly both of the Spanish giants shared many players, only two coaches managed both of them. Enrique Fernandez in the mid-50s of the last century. Radomir Antic in the last decade of the past and first decade of the current century.
More than a hundred years-long rivalry gave many iconic and historical moments. But the taste is still elegant. It still increases the rush of Adrenaline of both the players and the fans and will continue to do so in the coming years, undoubtedly. They said this is the greatest match in the world, well said.
