I’ve always loved El Clasico – partly because I just love the thought of my favorite club thrashing our eternal rivals. Of course the result doesn’t always go the way of the Azulgranes, and when they do win, Madridistas have an annoying habit of starting to gloat like they just murdered our club.
But then again, this IS the El Clasico, the grand-daddy of all European rivalries (Manchester fans can sod off if they think theirs is bigger) – with almost an equal number of wins between the two Spanish giants and a huge amount of history, about 100 years of it – this fixture is special!
Also, both clubs have such different attitudes towards discipline, humility and style of play. Barca pass the ball all round the opposition, patiently waiting for an opening and taking their chances. Gracious in victory and in defeat, the name on the front of the shirt is bigger than the name on the back. Real Madrid play a high-tempo counter attacking style and are the best team in La Liga – if not the world – at it. Their players are good but often their ego and lack of spirit sees them frustrated as was apparent against Sevilla at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.
Jose Mourinho himself said and I quote, ‘The world stops for El Clasico, it is football’s biggest rivalry and a special fixture for all involved – players, coaches, fans’ and he’s right. I don’t like him a bit but he is correct when he is.