El Clásico, or "The Classic," is the name given to any football match between fierce rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid. Originally used for Spanish championship games, the term now encompasses all matches between the clubs, including those in the Champions League, Supercopa de España, and Copa del Rey. The rivalry is one of the most intense in sports, drawing a global audience of hundreds of millions and is known for memorable moments and intense competition.
Since the first match in 1902, official Clásico matches have been held at seventeen stadiums, fourteen of which are in Spain.
Until 1953, Real Madrid had only won two Primera División titles since 1929, indicating their lack of regular title contention in the early years.
In 1936, during the coup d'état by Francisco Franco, the president of Barcelona, Josep Sunyol, was arrested and executed without trial by Franco's troops for exercising his political activities.
In 1939, the beginning of Franco's rule marked a period that would last until 1975. This era influenced the activities and on-pitch results of both Barcelona and Real Madrid, with Real Madrid becoming increasingly associated with Franco's regime.
On June 1943, Real Madrid beat Barcelona 11–1 at the Chamartín in the second leg of the Copa del Generalísimo semi-finals, amid allegations of intimidation and controversial refereeing.
In September 1953, the president of Barcelona was forced to resign due to discontent over the agreement to share Alfredo Di Stéfano with Real Madrid.
In 1953, the arrival of Alfredo Di Stéfano and Paco Gento marked a turning point for Real Madrid, contributing to their increased strength and dominance in Spain and Europe.
In 1954, Barcelona directors visited Buenos Aires and agreed with River Plate for Alfredo Di Stéfano's transfer, initiating a dispute with Real Madrid.
In 1955, Luis Suárez joined Barcelona, adding to the team's strength alongside László Kubala and other Hungarian players.
In 1956, Raymond Kopa joined Real Madrid, further strengthening the team's dominance in Spain and Europe.
In 1957, Fernando Maria Castiella began his service as Minister of Foreign Affairs under Franco, noting in 1957 that Real Madrid was the best embassy Spain ever had, highlighting the club's importance in the regime's international image.
In 1958, Ferenc Puskás joined Real Madrid, further solidifying the team's position as a dominant force in Spain and Europe.
In 1959, Real Madrid triumphed en route to their fifth consecutive European Cup title, marking a significant moment in the club's history and dominance.
In 1960, Real Madrid and Barcelona met twice in the European Cup, with Madrid triumphing en route to their fifth consecutive title and Barcelona prevailing en route to losing the final.
On July 1968, Barcelona beat Real Madrid 1–0 in the Copa del Generalísimo final at the Santiago Bernabéu, marred by Real Madrid fans throwing bottles at the referee and Barcelona players due to anger over the refereeing.
In 1969, Fernando Maria Castiella ended his tenure as Minister of Foreign Affairs under Franco, a period during which he emphasized the importance of Real Madrid as an international ambassador for Spain.
In 1975, Franco died, leading to the Spanish transition to democracy. Under his rule, Real Madrid achieved significant success, winning numerous titles, and solidifying the club's image.
In 1980, Laurie Cunningham was the first Real Madrid player to receive applause from Barcelona fans at Camp Nou.
In 1980, Ultras Sur, a far-right-leaning Real Madrid ultras group, was founded, marking a period of increased hooliganism associated with El Clásico.
In 1981, the Barcelona ultras group Boixos Nois was founded, initially left-leaning but later far-right, known for violent acts and conflicts.
On 26 June 1983, Diego Maradona received applause from Real Madrid fans at the Santiago Bernabéu after a memorable goal in the Copa de la Liga final.
In April 1988, Real Madrid received a pasillo from Barcelona after winning the championship in the previous round.
In June 1991, Barcelona received a pasillo from Real Madrid after winning the championship two rounds before El Clásico.
In 1991, FIFA presented the first FIFA World Player of the Year Award to recognize the best player in the previous calendar year.
In October 1999, Real Madrid's Raúl scored an 86th-minute equalizer at Camp Nou and celebrated by silencing the 100,000 Barcelona fans with a finger to his lips.
In 1999, the Laureus World Sports Awards were established by the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation to recognize sporting achievements throughout the year.
In 2000, Real Madrid's presidential candidate, Florentino Pérez, offered Barcelona's vice-captain Luís Figo a deal to sign with Madrid if he won the elections, causing controversy and denial from Figo.
In 2002, Real Madrid won against Barcelona 3-1 in aggregate in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, and the tie was dubbed by Spanish media as the "Match of the Century".
In 2002, during a Clásico at Camp Nou, Luís Figo was heavily taunted with objects thrown at him, including a pig's head, highlighting the intense rivalry between the clubs.
In November 2005, Ronaldinho became the second Barcelona player to receive a standing ovation from Real Madrid fans at the Santiago Bernabéu after scoring two goals in a 3–0 win.
In 2007, a survey showed that 32% of the Spanish population supported Real Madrid, while 25% supported Barcelona.
Prior to 2018, the last time El Clásico did not feature both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo was in 2007.
In May 2008, Real Madrid received a pasillo from Barcelona after winning the championship.
In May 2009, Barcelona's Carles Puyol kissed his Catalan armband in front of Real Madrid fans at the Santiago Bernabéu after scoring in a 6–2 victory.
In 2009, the rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo began, marking a period of intense competition and record-breaking performances in El Clásico history.
In 2010, Andrés Iniesta became a popular figure throughout Spain after scoring the nation's World Cup winning goal
In 2011, UEFA created the UEFA Men's Player of the Year Award to recognize the best footballer in Europe, aiming to revive the spirit of the Ballon d'Or.
In 2011, tensions between Barcelona and Real Madrid escalated due to four matches in 18 days, including the Copa Del Rey final and Champions League semi-finals. Accusations of unsportsmanlike behavior, a war of words, and four red cards marked the clashes. Spain's coach, Vicente del Bosque, expressed concern that this intense rivalry could negatively impact the national team.
In the 2011–12 season, Real Madrid achieved a club record of 100 points in La Liga.
In 2012, Cristiano Ronaldo gestured to the hostile crowd to "calm down" after scoring the winning goal in a 2-1 victory against Barcelona at Camp Nou.
From 2014 to 2018, Real Madrid and Barcelona dominated the Champions League, winning six titles in nine seasons and five consecutively, contributing to their clubs' dominance in Europe.
In 2014, Forbes ranked Barcelona and Real Madrid as the world's two most valuable sports teams, highlighting their global fan base and presence on social media.
On 21 November 2015, Andrés Iniesta became the third Barcelona player to receive applause from Real Madrid fans while being substituted during a 4–0 away win.
Between 1991 and 2015, FIFA presented the FIFA World Player of the Year Award annually at the FIFA World Player Gala.
In 2016, Cristiano Ronaldo gestured to the hostile crowd to "calm down" after scoring the winning goal in a 2-1 victory against Barcelona at Camp Nou.
In April 2017, Lionel Messi celebrated his 93rd-minute winner against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu by holding up his Barcelona shirt to the Real Madrid fans.
In May 2018, Real Madrid refused to perform a pasillo for Barcelona, despite Barcelona winning the championship.
From 2014 to 2018, Real Madrid and Barcelona dominated the Champions League, winning six titles in nine seasons and five consecutively, contributing to their clubs' dominance in Europe.
In 2018, Cristiano Ronaldo left Real Madrid for Juventus, and Lionel Messi sustained an arm injury, marking the first Clásico since 2007 without either player.
As of 2024, Cristiano Ronaldo is the all-time top scorer in the UEFA Champions League, with Lionel Messi in second place.
As of the match played in January 2025, Real Madrid leads in head-to-head results in official competitive matches with 105 wins to Barcelona's 102 with 52 draws.
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