Real Madrid vs Barcelona: why is it called ‘El Clásico’?

When LaLiga arch rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona face off, the clash is famously referred to as ‘El Clásico’. Legendary as it may be, some people are still asking how the name, which literally translates as ‘The Classic’, came to be. Ahead of this weekend’s latest clash between Madrid and Barça, allow us to give a little more insight into that.

El Clásico aka Barcelona vs Real Madrid

There are numerous huge derbies around the world of soccer, and depending on how you define the rivalry or spectacle, many can argue to be the biggest or best. That said, it’s hard to ignore the pulling power of Spain’s most successful clubs going head to head. Anyway, we’re not here, today at least, to make a case either way in this regard.

It is worth noting that the name ‘El Clásico’ goes further back than these two clubs - with the passionate River Plate and Boca Juniors rivalry in Argentina also having the tag - but there’s no doubt that to the average soccer fan in most countries, Spain’s big two are better known for it. Another factor not everyone realises is that the name ‘El Clásico’ used to only refer to Madrid and Barça meeting in the league, whereas now it applies to any time they clash.

El Clásico: where the stars align

One of the reasons behind this being such a famous encounter is the list of superstars that have graced it.

From Barça greats like Ronaldinho, Andrés Iniesta, Rivaldo, Xavi and Lionel Messi, to Alfredo di Stefano, Raúl, Roberto Carlos, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo in Madrid, the list of household names could stretch this article in the way that many of these players could an opposition defence. And then there are the controversial few who, at the top of their game, decided to make the switch between teams: Ronaldo Nazário and Luis Figo.

Top-notch players and headline-grabbers aside, there is so much more to this fixture.

Barça and Madrid ideological clash

Although it is more nuanced than is often made out, Madrid represent Spanish nationalism - most notably during the Franco years - while Barcelona fly the flag, literally, for Catalan independence.

These two huge and rich cities have so many other reasons to be rivals and the soccer has just been another outlet for the feelings. If you really want to know more about this, the prominent Spanish-soccer writer Sid Lowe has you covered.

Real Madrid vs Barcelona: start time, how to watch

On matchday 11 of the 2024/25 LaLiga season, Real Madrid host Barcelona at the Bernabéu on Saturday, October 26, with kick-off scheduled for 3 p.m. ET/12 noon PT. Viewers in the United States will be able to watch the game on ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes.