History of El Clásico in Timeline

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.

1902: First Clásico Match

Since the first match in 1902, official Clásico matches have been held at seventeen stadiums, fourteen of which are in Spain.

1929: Real Madrid's Lack of Dominance

Until 1953, Real Madrid had only won two Primera División titles since 1929, indicating their lack of regular title contention in the early years.

1936: Execution of Josep Sunyol

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.

1939: Beginning of Franco's Rule

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.

June 1943: Real Madrid Defeats Barcelona 11-1

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.

September 1953: Barcelona President Forced to Resign

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.

1953: Arrival of Alfredo Di Stéfano and Paco Gento

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.

1954: Di Stéfano Agreed to Transfer

In 1954, Barcelona directors visited Buenos Aires and agreed with River Plate for Alfredo Di Stéfano's transfer, initiating a dispute with Real Madrid.

1955: Di Stefano to Play for Real Madrid

In 1955, Alfredo Di Stefano was supposed to play for Barcelona, but FIFA decided to let him play the 1955-56 season for Real Madrid instead.

1955: Luis Suárez joins Barcelona

In 1955, Luis Suárez joined Barcelona, adding to the team's strength alongside László Kubala and other Hungarian players.

1956: Di Stefano to Play for Barcelona

In 1956, FIFA decided to let Di Stefano play for Real Madrid for the 1953–54 and 1955–56 seasons in Madrid, and the 1954–55 and 1956–57 seasons in Barcelona.

1956: Inauguration of Ballon d'Or

In 1956, France Football magazine presented the first Ballon d'Or, an annual football award.

1956: Arrival of Raymond Kopa

In 1956, Raymond Kopa joined Real Madrid, further strengthening the team's dominance in Spain and Europe.

1957: Real Madrid as Spain's Best Embassy

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.

1958: Arrival of Ferenc Puskás

In 1958, Ferenc Puskás joined Real Madrid, further solidifying the team's position as a dominant force in Spain and Europe.

1959: Real Madrid Triumph in European Cup

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.

1960: European Stage Rivalry

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.

July 1968: Barcelona Wins Copa del Generalísimo Final Amidst Controversy

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.

1969: End of Castiella's Tenure

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.

1975: Death of Franco

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.

1980: Cunningham Applauded by Barcelona Fans

In 1980, Laurie Cunningham was the first Real Madrid player to receive applause from Barcelona fans at Camp Nou.

1980: Founding of Ultras Sur

In 1980, Ultras Sur, a far-right-leaning Real Madrid ultras group, was founded, marking a period of increased hooliganism associated with El Clásico.

1981: Foundation of Boixos Nois

In 1981, the Barcelona ultras group Boixos Nois was founded, initially left-leaning but later far-right, known for violent acts and conflicts.

June 1983: Maradona Applauded at Bernabéu

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.

April 1988: Real Madrid Receives Pasillo

In April 1988, Real Madrid received a pasillo from Barcelona after winning the championship in the previous round.

June 1991: Barcelona Receives Pasillo

In June 1991, Barcelona received a pasillo from Real Madrid after winning the championship two rounds before El Clásico.

1991: Inauguration of FIFA World Player of the Year Award

In 1991, FIFA presented the first FIFA World Player of the Year Award to recognize the best player in the previous calendar year.

October 1999: Raúl Silences Camp Nou

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.

1999: Establishment of Laureus World Sports Awards

In 1999, the Laureus World Sports Awards were established by the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation to recognize sporting achievements throughout the year.

2000: Florentino Pérez Offers Deal to Luís Figo

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.

2002: "Match of the Century"

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".

2002: Figo Taunted on Return to Barcelona

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.

November 2005: Ronaldinho Receives Standing Ovation

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.

2007: Survey of Spanish Population Support

In 2007, a survey showed that 32% of the Spanish population supported Real Madrid, while 25% supported Barcelona.

2007: Last Clásico with both Messi and Ronaldo

Prior to 2018, the last time El Clásico did not feature both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo was in 2007.

May 2008: Real Madrid Receives Pasillo Again

In May 2008, Real Madrid received a pasillo from Barcelona after winning the championship.

May 2009: Puyol Kisses Catalan Armband

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.

2009: Beginning of Messi-Ronaldo Rivalry

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.

2010: FIFA Ballon d'Or Agreement

From 2010 to 2015, the Ballon d'Or was known as the FIFA Ballon d'Or due to an agreement between France Football and FIFA.

2010: Iniesta Wins World Cup

In 2010, Andrés Iniesta became a popular figure throughout Spain after scoring the nation's World Cup winning goal

2011: Barcelona Most Popular Team in Spain

According to an Ikerfel poll in 2011, Barcelona is the most popular team in Spain with 44% of preferences, while Real Madrid is second with 37%.

2011: Creation of UEFA Men's Player of the Year Award

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.

2011: Intensified Rivalry and Unsportsmanlike Conduct

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.

2011: Real Madrid's Record Points in La Liga

In the 2011–12 season, Real Madrid achieved a club record of 100 points in La Liga.

2012: Cristiano Ronaldo Gestures to "Calm Down" Crowd

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.

2012: Barcelona's Record Points in La Liga

In the 2012–13 season, Barcelona matched Real Madrid's record with 100 points in La Liga.

2014: Champions League Dominance Begins

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.

2014: Forbes Ranks Barcelona and Real Madrid as World's Most Valuable Teams

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.

November 2015: Iniesta Applauded at Bernabéu

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.

2015: Discontinuation of FIFA World Player of the Year Award

Between 1991 and 2015, FIFA presented the FIFA World Player of the Year Award annually at the FIFA World Player Gala.

2015: End of FIFA Ballon d'Or Agreement

From 2010 to 2015, the Ballon d'Or was known as the FIFA Ballon d'Or due to an agreement between France Football and FIFA.

2016: Cristiano Ronaldo Gestures to "Calm Down" Crowd

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.

April 2017: Messi Celebrates Winner by Displaying Shirt

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.

December 2017: Barcelona Refuses Pasillo

In December 2017, Barcelona refused to perform a pasillo for Real Madrid after they won the FIFA Club World Cup.

May 2018: Real Madrid Refuses Pasillo

In May 2018, Real Madrid refused to perform a pasillo for Barcelona, despite Barcelona winning the championship.

2018: Champions League Dominance Ends

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.

2018: Ronaldo Leaves Real Madrid, Messi Injured

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.

2018: End of Messi-Ronaldo Era in Spain

In 2018, the era of the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry in Spain ended, with both players having broken numerous records and dominating La Liga and the Champions League.

2024: Ronaldo Leads Champions League Scoring

As of 2024, Cristiano Ronaldo is the all-time top scorer in the UEFA Champions League, with Lionel Messi in second place.

January 2025: Real Madrid Leads Head-to-Head Results

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.