There are certain rivalries in sports that ignite more than passion, a feeling or sentiment similar to disgust. But that feeling or sentiment similar to disgust is what keeps us entertained for 90 minutes on a football pitch even from the stands, more intent on beating the opponent than one would in war. And for Spanish giants FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, “El Clásico” has been around before my grandparents and yours.
1902 would take a long time to get to. Luckily, in the 21st century, El Clásico is peaking with the women’s side of the game and has become more than a crowd pleaser. Football heritage and culture seeps deeply in the veins, and regardless of age, gender, skill level, score line, or outcome, what always stands above the rest and stays the same is being loyal to your team colors and supporting them for better or for worse.
Since 2019, Real Madrid Femenino and FCB Femeni have clashed 14 times… and the better team came out on top, 14 times. That’s right, FC Barcelona have accomplished the seemingly impossible for fourteen football matches in a row against the massive white crown of Real Madrid’s logo. Some names of Barcelona players who were present in these showdowns include Alexia Putellas, Aitana Bonmati (recently named FIFA’s best female footballer for the 2023 season), Mariona Caldentey, Caroline Graham Hansen, Irene Paredes, Sandra Paños, Asisat Oshoala to name a few. Real Madrid displays no lack of talent and are always considered top European contenders every year until FC Barcelona stand in their way. Only one Spanish club remains in the UEFA Women’s Champions League tournament and their colors are blue, red, and gold. Head coach Jonatan Giraldez is set to lead his ladies at the Estadio Municipal de Butarque in Madrid at 8pm local time, make sure to tune in, you won’t want to miss this 15th victory overall.
