Rivalry is an integral part of any top-level sport, and few do it better than football. The passion, the intensity, and – for some – the bitterness often takes these match-ups to a whole other level when it comes to world-class action and thrilling drama.
Whether it’s bitter local rivalries like the North London Derby (Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur), the Old Firm (Celtic and Rangers), or the Derby della Madonnina (AC Milan and Inter Milan), or rivalries borne out of success like Le Classique (Paris Saint-Germain and Marseille) or Der Klassiker (Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund), the history of these meetings are rife with legendary players and pulse-pounding matches.
As arguably the 2 biggest clubs in world football, there are none more iconic than El Clasico; Real Madrid vs. Barcelona. The pair, forever locked in an eternal struggle atop Spanish football, meet twice per season in La Liga. Such is their usual dominance over the rest of the league, these head-to-head meetings can often a huge impact on the title race. With everything at stake and both sides packed with world-class talent, fireworks usually ensue. When these 2 sides last met – on 20 March, also at the Bernabeu – Barcelona won 4-0, ending a 4-match losing run against Real Madrid.
It’s a slightly new-look Clasico these days with the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo no longer involved, but there are still plenty of big names set to hash it out when Real and Barca meet at the Bernabeu later this month. Having arrived in the summer from Bayern Munich, Robert Lewandowski has hit the ground running for Barcelona with a remarkable 12 goals in his first 9 appearances for the club, while Madrid stalwart Karim Benzema and Brazil starlet Vinicius Jr. have produced a combined 10 goals and 5 assists for Real. Both teams have enjoyed superb, unbeaten starts to the La Liga season; they each have 6 wins from their first 7 games, with Barca having conceded just one goal.
Official tickets are not yet on sale; last season, tickets started at €120. They typically go on general sale a week before the game, so be sure to save this event to your interests to be notified when they do. Supporters with a paid membership with Real Madrid enjoy earlier access to tickets at a discounted price. Alternatively, resale tickets are available if you want to grab your seat now.
