IUESD SPORT- The anticipation is palpable as Real Madrid prepares to host Barcelona at the Bernabeu in the latest edition of El Clasico. This clash between Spanish football’s titans is always a spectacle, but this encounter carries extra weight, with Real Madrid aiming to extend their lead at the top of La Liga to a significant five points. Currently, Xabi Alonso’s squad holds a slender two-point advantage over Barcelona, making this match a crucial test for the reigning champions who are keen to avoid falling further behind.
Beyond domestic ambitions, both Real Madrid and Barcelona harbor aspirations for European glory this season. A potential showdown in the later stages of the Champions League looms, and both are considered frontrunners in the Copa del Rey, fueling their desire for silverware. Real Madrid’s impressive league form, with eight wins and one loss in nine matches, contrasts slightly with Barcelona’s seven wins, one draw, and one loss. The margin for error in La Liga is razor-thin, amplifying the importance of this contest in the Spanish capital.
Throughout history, the rivalry has been remarkably balanced, with Real Madrid claiming 105 victories and Barcelona securing 104 wins in their 261 encounters across all competitions. Here, IUESD.com revisits five of the most memorable El Clasico matches.
Five Unforgettable El Clasico Encounters
Barcelona 3-3 Real Madrid | La Liga | March 2007
This match is etched in memory as the moment Lionel Messi announced himself on the El Clasico stage. At just 19, Messi’s hat-trick at Camp Nou showcased his transformation from a promising talent to a global superstar. Ruud van Nistelrooy twice put Real Madrid ahead within the first 28 minutes, only for Messi to respond with equalizers. Barcelona were reduced to 10 men before halftime after Oleguer’s dismissal. Sergio Ramos’s 73rd-minute header appeared to seal a Real Madrid victory, but Messi intervened with a stunning 91st-minute goal, completing his hat-trick and salvaging a draw.
Barcelona 5-0 Real Madrid | La Liga | October 2010
A night to forget for Real Madrid. Fresh off welcoming a new wave of Galacticos, including Karim Benzema, Mesut Ozil, and Cristiano Ronaldo, Jose Mourinho suffered a humiliating defeat at Camp Nou. Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona delivered a masterclass in tiki-taka football, dismantling Real Madrid 5-0. While Messi didn’t score, he orchestrated the attack, assisting David Villa’s two goals. Xavi, Pedro, and Jeffren Suarez also found the net, and Sergio Ramos’s late red card compounded Real Madrid’s misery.
Real Madrid 3-4 Barcelona | La Liga | March 2014
This El Clasico was a rollercoaster of emotions, featuring seven goals, three penalties, a hat-trick, a red card, and relentless drama. Andreas Iniesta gave Barcelona an early lead, but Karim Benzema’s quickfire double turned the game around for Real Madrid. Messi equalized before halftime. Cristiano Ronaldo’s controversial penalty put Real Madrid ahead again, but Sergio Ramos’s red card for a foul on Neymar shifted the momentum. Messi converted the resulting penalty and later scored another from the spot to secure a thrilling victory for Barcelona, ending Real Madrid’s 17-game winning streak at the Bernabeu.
Real Madrid 2-1 Barcelona | Copa del Rey final | April 2014
Real Madrid exacted revenge in the Copa del Rey final, despite Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence. Angel Di Maria’s early goal was canceled out by Marc Bartra’s header. Gareth Bale then produced a moment of magic, outrunning Bartra from the halfway line to score a stunning winner, securing Real Madrid’s 19th Copa del Rey title.
Real Madrid 2-3 Barcelona | La Liga | April 2017
Although Real Madrid ultimately won the La Liga title that season, Barcelona’s dramatic victory at the Bernabeu kept the title race alive. Casemiro opened the scoring for Real Madrid, but Messi quickly equalized. After Ivan Rakitic’s stunning strike put Barcelona ahead, Sergio Ramos was sent off. James Rodriguez equalized for Real Madrid with 10 men, but Messi struck again in stoppage time, scoring his 500th goal for Barcelona and sealing a memorable win.
Honorable Mentions:
Several other El Clasico matches deserve recognition, including Barcelona’s 4-3 victory in May 2025, Real Madrid’s 4-0 defeat in October 2024, and Barcelona’s 3-2 Supercopa de Espana win in August 2011. These games, along with others like Real Madrid’s 2-6 loss in May 2009 and Barcelona’s 5-1 victory in January 1963, contribute to the rich history and enduring appeal of El Clasico.
