(Football news) The rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona dates back to 1902. The origin of the rivalry was simply because the two cities are the biggest in Spain. Another thing that ignited it further was polar opposite political positions, with Real Madrid viewed as Spanish nationalists and Barcelona viewed as Catalan nationalists. 

Over the years the clubs have also had different football ideologies. Real Madrid are known for always spending the big bucks to buy the best players while Barcelona prides itself in producing the big players. The two teams along with Athletic Club Bilbao have never been relegated from the Spanish top flight. In head to head games, Real Madrid have 98 wins compared to Barcelona's 96.

Over the years there have been players who have played for both sides like Samuel Eto'o and Luis Enrique. The big one is without question Luis Figo. The Portuguese winger was the Barcelona captain and Ballon d'Or winner when he decided to cross the divide. The transfer left Barcelona fans heartbroken and angry. In the next El Clasico Luis Figo was subject to some of the loudest boos and jeers in the history of football. There was also the infamous incident when a fan threw a real pig's head towards Figo when he came to take a corner.

Also read: La Liga: Atlético Madrid gear up to host Real Sociedad; Camp Nou set to host the iconic 'El Clasico'

Another transfer incident that fuelled the rivalry was in 1952 when both the clubs were fighting for signing a certain Alfredo Di Stefano. The situation was so heated that Fifa had to intervene. Fifa decided to let Di Stéfano play one season each for both the clubs with Real Madrid getting for the first season in 1953/54. Although both the clubs had agreed to the decision of FIFA. Problems within the Barcelona board caused the president to resign and the main reason for the dispute was the way the Di Stefano situation was handled. Blaugrana sold Madrid their half-share, and Di Stéfano moved to the Spanish capital signing a four-year contract. The striker went on to win 5 European cups with Real Madrid and established himself as one of the greatest players in the history of the game.

Another two players that have made the rivalry better are Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The two players played against each other for 9 years where they ruled world football. Messi is the highest scorer in the history of El Clasico followed by Ronaldo. On Sunday, 24th October, 2021 the two teams meet for the 195th time in a competitive game where as always, the two teams will play for more than just 3 points.