Barcelona host Real Madrid in Sunday’s El Clasico, with the two Spanish giants level on 106 victories each in their long-running rivalry. The latest meeting will bring together a new generation of headline players, including Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and Raphinha and Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr.
Matches between the clubs have featured some of football’s greatest names, from Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to Neymar, Luis Suarez, David Beckham and Zinedine Zidane. With the rivalry stretching back to 1902, victory carries significance well beyond the three points.
Five memorable Barcelona and Real Madrid clashes
Real Madrid 2-3 Barcelona, April 23 2017
Lionel Messi produced a decisive late moment at the Santiago Bernabeu, scoring with the final kick to secure one of Barcelona’s most celebrated Clasico victories.
Real Madrid had taken the lead through Casemiro, but Messi levelled within five minutes. Ivan Rakitic then put Barcelona ahead before Sergio Ramos was dismissed for a challenge on Messi.
James Rodriguez appeared to have rescued a point for Real with an 85th-minute equaliser, only for Messi to strike again in stoppage time. The goal was his 500th for Barcelona and briefly lifted the Catalan club to the top of the table, although Real went on to win the league by three points.
Barcelona 3-3 Real Madrid, March 10 2007
A 19-year-old Messi announced himself on the biggest stage with the first hat-trick of his career, earning Barcelona a draw despite the hosts finishing with 10 men.
Ruud van Nistelrooy scored twice for Real in the first half and Ramos added another after the interval. Messi completed his treble with an equaliser in the first minute of stoppage time.
The two clubs finished that season level on 76 points, but Real claimed the title after holding the superior head-to-head record.
Real Madrid 4-2 Barcelona, April 10 2005
Real’s celebrated Galacticos delivered a commanding home performance, with Zidane opening the scoring before Ronaldo Nazario doubled the advantage. Raul added a third and Michael Owen completed the victory in the 65th minute.
Barcelona replied through Samuel Eto’o and Ronaldinho, but their goals could not prevent a Real side featuring Beckham, Roberto Carlos, Luis Figo and Iker Casillas from securing an emphatic win.
Barcelona nevertheless finished the season as champions, ending three points clear of their rivals.
Real Madrid 2-6 Barcelona, May 2 2009
Barcelona overwhelmed Real at the Bernabeu in one of the most striking results in the fixture’s history, with Thierry Henry and Messi leading the attack.
Gonzalo Higuain gave the hosts an early lead, but Henry equalised four minutes later. The French forward scored again, while Messi, Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique also found the net for Barcelona.
Ramos scored for Real in the second half, although the goal did little to alter the outcome. Barcelona went on to win the league by nine points.
Real Madrid 1-0 Barcelona, April 20 2011
Cristiano Ronaldo settled the Copa del Rey final in extra time, heading in from Angel Di Maria’s delivery to give Real their first trophy under manager Jose Mourinho.
The match remained goalless after 90 minutes, with a penalty shoot-out appearing possible before Ronaldo’s decisive intervention. Di Maria was later sent off after receiving a second yellow card, but Real held on to claim their first domestic cup since 1993.
