Ranking the 5 Greatest El Clasico Matches of the 21st Century

• Real Madrid will cross swords against Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final
• The two Spanish powerhouses have engaged in several memorable clashes
• Sports Brief takes a look at the best El Clásico's of the 21st century

For the second consecutive year, Real Madrid are set to clash with their El Clasico rivals, Barcelona, in the Spanish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia.

Securing their spot in the Sunday showdown, Los Blancos achieved an extra-time victory over city neighbours Atletico Madrid, while the Catalan giants triumphed over Osasuna in their semi-final encounter.

This iconic matchup, featuring football legends like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and Ronaldo, consistently delivers top-quality football, making it the most significant game in Spanish football.

With classic encounters etched in history, Sports Brief explores the best El Clásicos of the 21st century.

Chelsea legend John Terry picks his side in Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo debate

Football

Greatest El Clasico matches

Real Madrid 4-2 Barcelona (2005)

The early 2000s marked Real Madrid's peak in star quality, with legends like Zinedine Zidane, Roberto Carlos, and David Beckham donning the iconic white shirt.

Former Barcelona star Ronaldo Nazario had also joined Los Blancos.

While Barcelona fielded talents like Samuel Eto'o, Ronaldinho, and Xavi, they were convincingly defeated as Madrid secured a 4-2 victory.

Zidane and Ronaldo scored within the first 20 minutes, putting the game almost out of Barcelona's reach. Raul and Michael Owen sealed the victory with second-half strikes..

Real Madrid 2-6 Barcelona (2009)

A crucial period in the 2008/09 season occurred when Barcelona visited the Santiago Bernabéu, showcasing their dominance with a formidable front three of Messi, Thierry Henry, and Samuel Eto'o.

The match ended with Barcelona triumphing 6-2 on Madrid's turf, with Messi and Henry, particularly impressive, each scoring two goals against the legendary Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

Cristiano Ronaldo spotted playing football at beach in Dubai as he enjoys time off

Football

Real Madrid 2-1 Barcelona (2014)

While not yielding numerous goals, this match became exceptionally memorable for an iconic moment, resulting in a goal during the 2014 Copa del Rey Final.

The pivotal instance involved Gareth Bale shifting into overdrive, leaving Marc Bartra trailing behind as he scored to propel Madrid into the lead, securing victory over their rivals and lifting the Copa del Rey trophy.

This marked a defining moment in Gareth Bale's career, establishing him as a global superstar alongside Ronaldo and Benzema in Los Blancos' formidable attacking trio

Barcelona 3-3 Real Madrid (2007)

Lionel Messi scored two goals against Real Madrid within the first half-hour.

Later, as his team trailed 3-2 in the dying moments, Messi skillfully navigated through Real Madrid's defence, delivering a last-minute equaliser.

Despite Ruud van Nistelrooy securing a brace for the away side and Sergio Ramos seemingly granting his team a historic victory at the Nou Camp, Messi's late brilliance denied them the win.

Marcelo: Real Madrid's most decorated player reunites with old teammates in heart warming video

Football

Barcelona 5-0 Real Madrid (2010)

Continuing their El Clásico supremacy from the previous season, Barcelona, under the guidance of mastermind Pep Guardiola, maintained their dominance into the 2009-10 season.

Despite Real Madrid's significant investments in reviving the "Galactico Era" with the acquisitions of Karim Benzema, Mesut Ozil, and Cristiano Ronaldo, their offensive power proved insufficient once again.

Barcelona convincingly demolished Los Blancos 5-0 at the Nou Camp, with David Villa emerging as the star, scoring two goals. Frustrations escalated for Madrid in the closing moments, leading to defender Sergio Ramos receiving a red card