Real Madrid and FC Barcelona always produce fascinating matches, with each one of them special in their own way. Yet, there are some matches and moments which live even longer in the memory, for both sets of fans. Here, we take a look at some of them by revisiting 10 iconic moments from the history of this fixture.
THE LARGEST ELCLASICO VICTORY
The largest margin of victory in a LaLiga match between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona occurred on 3 February 1935, when Real Madrid beat FC Barcelona 8-2 at their old stadium in Chamartín. This result remains the largest league win in the history of El Classico.
RAÚL SILENCES THE CAMP NOU
On 13 October 1999, Raúl González Blanco scored a crucial goal at the Camp Nou to tie the match at 2-2. Raúl’s celebration was memorable as he put his finger to his lips, making a “silence” gesture towards the FC Barcelona fans. It became an iconic image and symbolised the striker’s confidence and character.
GERARD PIQUÉ’S CELEBRATION
The match on 29 November 2010 is one of the most memorable in the history of El Classico. FC Barcelona defeated Real Madrid with a resounding 5-0 scoreline at the Camp Nou. After scoring the fifth goal, Piqué raised his hand showing his five fingers, symbolising the “manita”, a win with five goals, that his team had just achieved. This gesture became a symbol of FC Barcelona’s superiority in that match and remains engraved in the memory of Los Culés.
“MANITAS” FOR BOTH TEAMS
Throughout the history of El Classico, both Real Madrid and FC Barcelona have achieved resounding victories known as “manitas”. FC Barcelona have the most with four, while Real Madrid have two. For Los Merengues, they beat FC Barcelona 5-0 on 25 October 1953 and 7 January 1995. For their part, Los Azulgranas managed 5-0 wins on April 21st 1935, January 8th 1994 and November 29th 2010, in addition to a 5-1 win on 28 October 2018.
RONALDINHO’S OVATION AT THE BERNABÉU
On 19 November 2005, Ronaldinho scored twice in FC Barcelona’s 3-0 win at the Bernabéu and pulled off several magical moves that left the fans in awe. The Brazilian was the man of the match in that win and even some Real Madrid fans decided to recognise the display by applauding the Barça player.
FC BARCELONA’S GUARD OF HONOUR FOR REAL MADRID AT THE BERNABÉU
On 7 May 2008, one of the most historic images in El Classico history occurred ahead of the duel between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. Los Blancos were already mathematically the LaLiga champions and Barça, as their next opponent, gave them a guard of honour. It was an elegant gesture, especially given that the Catalan team had missed out on the title. Real Madrid then proceeded to win 4-1, so it was a complete party at the Bernabéu.
GUARDIOLA’S FC BARCELONA WIN 6-2 AT THE BERNABÉU
On 2 May 2009, FC Barcelona enjoyed one of the club’s greatest days. Pep Guardiola’s team thrashed Real Madrid 6-2 at the Bernabéu, putting on a footballing master class. It helped them clinch the 2008-09 LaLiga title, with Barça going on to win a historic sextuple in 2009.
CRISTIANO RONALDO’S “CALMA” AS HE SEALED THE LALIGA TITLE AT THE CAMP NOU
Cristiano Ronaldo secured a 2-1 victory in a LaLiga El Classico in 2011-12, putting FC Barcelona to the sword at the Camp Nou on 21 April 2012. That result was huge in earning his first LaLiga championship since arriving in Spain. He netted the final goal, after a brilliant pass by Mesut Özil, and the Portuguese forward celebrated the goal by playfully calling for “calma”, calm.
LIONEL MESSI AND CRISTIANO RONALDO SCORE TWO EACH
One of the best matches in the history of El Classico is the one played at the Camp Nou on 7 October 2012, when they drew 2-2 in a spectacular match in which superstars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo scored two goals each. They more than demonstrated why they were considered the two best players in the world at the time.
LIONEL MESSI TAKES OFF HIS SHIRT AT THE BERNABÉU AFTER SCORING IN THE LAST MINUTE
On 23 April 2017, Lionel Messi scored a last-minute goal to earn FC Barcelona a 3-2 win at the Bernabéu. The goal was scored in the 93rd minute of the match and Los Culés achieved a win that put them close to the fight for the LaLiga title. Messi had an extraordinary game by scoring two goals and doing a lot more besides. After netting the winner, he took off his shirt and held it up to the stands, showing his name and number.
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