Real Madrid and Barcelona go head-to-head, and we revisit the greatest lineup from football’s most iconic rivalry
The Santiago Bernabéu will light up on October 27th at 12:30 AM IST as Real Madrid takes on Barcelona in the next edition of El Clásico. Two giants are competing for the top spot in La Liga this season. Barcelona presently leads with 27 points from ten matches, with a strong record of nine victories and one loss.
El Clásico taught Der Klassiker a lesson in the Champions League this week 😮💨👨🏫 pic.twitter.com/Sl8KOMqd1g
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) October 23, 2024
On the other side, Real Madrid is slightly behind with 24 points but has remained unbeaten in the league with 7 wins and 3 draws. The stakes are sky-high as Madrid seeks to reduce the deficit and recover its dominance.
Two Brazilians in fine form ⚡
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) October 24, 2024
All eyes on El Clásico this weekend 🍿 pic.twitter.com/WyY986Gf3Y
As the excitement grows, let's take a look back at the best El Clásico lineups of all time, showcasing superstars who have defined these fights and moulded football history.
It's difficult to imagine a Real Madrid lineup without Iker Casillas between the posts. For 25 years, the Spaniard played a vital role in Los Blancos' success, winning five La Liga titles and three Champions League trophies. Casillas, known for his fast reactions and big-match temperament, is still an El Clásico hero.
Dani Alves, widely regarded as one of the most attacking right-backs of all time, was a revelation at Barcelona. His overlapping runs and accurate crosses characterised an era at Camp Nou, helping to win three Champions League crowns and several domestic trophies.
Sergio Ramos, a staple in Real Madrid's defence, gave an unrivalled energy to every Clásico meeting. A consecutive Champions League champion, Ramos became a legend in these games due to his ability to score critical goals and his aggressive defending.
Piqué's return to Barcelona in 2008 signalled the start of a golden period. The tall defender, noted for his ball-playing abilities and aerial power, helped the team win three Champions League titles and established his position in El Clásico history.
Roberto Carlos was the perfect example of a contemporary left-back. Known for his robust shoots and scorching pace, the Brazilian won three Champions League titles and reinvented a full-back role while at Real Madrid.
Miguel Munoz showing his skills in Real Madrid jersey // Picture Courtesy -- These Football Times
As a captain and then manager, Miguel Muñoz was a true Real Madrid enthusiast who helped the team win the first two European Cups and later led them to more success from the sidelines, leaving a lasting impression on the club's history.
Xavi's vision and passing ability made Barcelona click. He was a pillar of Pep Guardiola's team, guiding Barça to many La Liga and Champions League victories while controlling the midfield with unparalleled elegance and skill.
Iniesta had unparalleled influence. His ingenuity and big-game mentality were the foundations of Barcelona's success. Iniesta made an indelible impression on both his club and Spain's World Cup-winning team.
There's no question about Messi's participation in this team. With almost 600 goals for Barcelona, the Argentine wizard has created several spectacular moments in El Clásico, ranging from jaw-dropping solo runs to game-winning finishes.
The Argentine-Spanish legend was the heart and soul of Real Madrid during the early stages of the European Cup. Di Stefano's domination in the 1950s and 1960s, when he won five European titles and scored in every final, is still unequalled.
Ronaldo's feud with Messi shaped a generation. During his time at Real Madrid, the Portuguese superstar broke records and won four Champions Leagues, delivering memorable performances against Barcelona on several occasions.
