Throughout the history of Spanish football, the one fixture that has stood out most is El Clasico. The intense battle between Real Madrid and Barcelona has been billed as the the biggest sporting rivalry in the world. Recently this old rivalry has reached new heights.
Real Madrid boasts some of the best footballers in the world. The team, lead by goalkeeper Iker Casillas, consists of players like Mesut Ozil, Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo. Managing this group of Galacticos is Jose Mourinho, the self-proclaimed Special One, who is expected to lead the team to a record tenth European Cup. But the one obstacle that stands between Los Blancos and glory is the team from Catalonia.
F.C. Barcelona has won the last 3 La Liga titles and two of the last 3 Champions League trophies. Key to their success has been their academy. La Masia has produced a golden generation of footballers. Their coach, Pep Guardiola who is a former Barcelona player, has succeeded in building what is arguably the greatest football side ever. The core of the team has been the triumvirate of Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez. In Lionel Messi, Barcelona have possibly the greatest footballer ever. Messi moved to Barcelona when he was 13 and has never looked back since. The 08-09 season saw him establish himself as the world’s best player. His pace, skill, dribbling and deadly accuracy make him impossible to stop.
2011 saw numerous fixtures between these two heavyweights of world football. Four games in eighteen days saw some brilliant football, ugly diving and mind games. Barcelona knocked out Madrid from the Champions League while a Cristiano Ronaldo header was enough to secure the Copa Del Ray for Real.
Fast forward to the 2011-2012 season. Real Madrid was due to host Barcelona in the first Clasico of the season. Barcelona had come under fire for their poor form while Real Madrid were marginal favourites owing to their free scoring form. Both teams had strengthened their squads with high profile acquisitions like Nuri Sahin, Alexis Sanchez and Cesc Fabregas.
The teams collided with full force and after 90 minutes the Blaugrana showed the world why they are numero uno. Despite going behind to an early Benzema goal, Barca came back and took the game 1-3 at the Bernebau. The passing machine Xavi orchestrated Barca’s fightback and Los Blancos and Mourinho were left to wonder once again, what it will take to stop the Barcelona juggernaut.
As things stand, the Blaugrana are firm favourites to retain their Champions League and Spanish league crown. They rightly hold the title of the best team in the world.
