El Clasico: 4 Reasons Barcelona vs Real Madrid is Club Football's Biggest Game

• El Clasico remains one of the biggest fixtures in club football
• Barcelona will host Real Madrid at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Saturday
• Let's have a look at a few points which are potentially driving Clasico's popularity to the moon

Saturday marks the first league encounter of the 2023/24 season between Barcelona and Real Madrid.

El Clasico has evolved into a biennial football spectacle that transcends the boundaries of Spain, capturing the global audience's imagination.

Per Optus Sports, the clash between the nation's two greatest rivals now garners attention from fans worldwide.

Although supporters devoted to Liverpool or Manchester United may hold differing opinions, here are four compelling reasons why this matchup can be regarded as the most significant club fixture in world football.

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Relevance of the match

While many derbies mainly represent clashes of opposing ideologies, the Clasico offers something more. In the majority of their league encounters, FC Barcelona and Real Madrid are not just battling for pride; the championship itself is on the line. Over the past decade, the two primary clubs in Spain have consistently secured top-three positions in the league standings without fail. Such is the significance of the Clasico that the three points up for grabs often serve as the decisive factor in the title race for the league season.

Only Atletico Madrid have had the privilege of denying either Barcelona or Real Madrid a league title in the last decade, per Transfermarkt.

Quality of football

Both of these powerhouse clubs boast some of the world's most exceptional footballers, partly due to their impressive youth development systems and partly because of the substantial budgets at their disposal. Notably, both teams are renowned for their formidable midfield play.

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Regarding the current managerial landscape, Carlo Ancelotti has swiftly established himself as a capable manager. The Italian guided Los Blancos to a Champions League triumph two seasons ago, while Xavi Hernandez led the Azulgranas to a league win in his first full season in charge last season.

Decreasing global popularity of other derbies

While local derbies continue to hold significant importance in their respective regions and uphold cultural traditions, many of them have witnessed a decline in their global prominence over the years. Notably, El Clasico, despite not being a traditional derby, has risen to fame, partly due to the underwhelming performance of other renowned matchups.

In Italy, the Milan Derby, once regarded as a highly anticipated fixture, has seen a decline in average viewership in recent years, primarily because both Milan teams have faced challenges.

South American derbies are renowned for their intense and passionate footballing spirit, but their global reach has been hindered by marketing failures within local leagues. In contrast, France and Germany lack a wealth of high-profile clashes, making them some of the less competitive leagues to participate in, at least in recent times.

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Civil war

The animosity between these two clubs goes far beyond the realm of football.

While the intense rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester is rooted in the Industrial Revolution and the historical context it represents, Barcelona and Madrid's distinctions trace back to the Spanish Civil War.

When these two teams clash at Camp Nou, the home side doesn't just symbolize the city but also represents the entire region in opposition to the royal team. Within the stadium, there are banners and slogans that convey sentiments such as "Catalonia is not Spain."

Players who played for Barcelona and Madrid

Sports Brief earlier reported on players who played for both Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Luis Figo and Ronaldo Nazario are the most famous players who played for both clubs. Luis Enrique and Samul Eto'o are other stars who suited up for both Spanish giants.

Nowadays, it is rare to see a player play for both clubs.