Hola amigos! That’s how I kicked off episode 74! But here we are nonetheless we are 1 year later, covering the most coveted fixture in football: Real Madrid vs Barcelona, better known as: ‘El Clasico’. This entry is essentially an updated version of episode which includes the details of the 4 clashes that have since unfolded between the 2 sides since Episode 74 was published…

You can view Episode #74 here:

https://aragami2236.wordpress.com/2016/12/02/origami-with-aragami-74-the-ultimate-showdown-el-classico/

1996-2003: Championship Manager inspired young Madrista…

Growing up my first memories of Spanish football and La Liga, were in the 1996-97 season, at the tender age of 6 years old, with my brother, watching the original Ronaldo, wearing the ‘Blaugrana’ of Barcelona, as he tore through defences at will. Looking back through the annals of history, it was actually Real Madrid, who went on to lift the Spanish title that season, under the stewardship of Fabio Capello (who would incidentally lead them to the title again, 10 years later). My first memories of ‘Los Blancos’ would come the following season, as they stunned Juventus to become the 1997-98 UEFA Champions League winners. It was quite a sight for me, given that Juventus were the side I always feared my beloved Manchester United playing against in those days, and especially after they had been upset by Borussia Dortmund, in the 1996-97 final. I would next see Barcelona in action against Manchester United the following season, as United were given the group of hell in the 1998-99 Champions League group stage, as they were pit with: Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Brondby. United and Barcelona (who were under Louis van Gaal’s helm), battled to two, 3-3 draws, as United progressed at the expense of Spanish side, en route to famously winning the competition against Bayern Munich, at the Camp Nou, no less.

My relationship with Real Madrid really began the season after, as United were pit against Vicente del Bosque’s Real Madrid side in the quarter final of the 1999-00 Champions League. I was in India for the first leg which ended 0-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu, and returned to the UK in time for the April 19th clash at Old Trafford, incidentally the day of my sister’s 4th birthday. To my horror, the away side in their glorious black and amber kit, were 3-0 ahead at Old Trafford! Although United were able to claw 2 goals back, it wasn’t enough, as ‘Los Blancos’ went on to lift the trophy for the second time in 3 seasons. That summer would bring the rivalry between the 2 clubs (Real Madrid and Barcelona) to a new level of intensity, as Real Madrid evoked Luis Figo’s minimum fee release clause of £37 million; the world record transfer fee at the time, to bring the Portuguese maestro from Barcelona to Real Madrid, as the new Real Madrid president: Fiorentino Perez began the ‘Galacticos’ era.

It was that year, I recall, when I was in year 6, that I began to get into Championship Manager. The 2000/01 edition of the fabled series remains only second to the 2001/02 edition, as far as my favourites are concerned; nonetheless it was in CM 00/01 where I began to manage Real Madrid, and with it began my first managerial dynasty. I don’t know if it was the transfer kitty, or the fact that the world’s best players were interested in them, or that Raul was amongst the teams roster; I was enamoured to manage ‘Los Blancos’ way more than I had ever been inclined to manage Barcelona. That relationship began my association with Real Madrid, particularly as they fought their way through to the Champions League semi-final, while claiming the La Liga title that season. For my birthday that year (2001 where I turned 11), I recall the 2000-01 Real Madrid ‘Teka’ jersey as the only present I wanted; sadly their wasn’t one in my size at the store, so I was told! That summer, the ‘Galactico’ recruitment drive went into the next phase, as Zinedine Zidane was procured from Juventus; shattering the world transfer record fee, as £51 million was paid for his services.

The 2001-02 season saw the Barca/Real rivalry expand into the Champions League, and much to my delight, Real Madrid were able to defeat Barcelona 2-0 at the Camp Nou, before finishing the job with a 1-1 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, en route to the final in Glasgow that year. Real Madrid’s triumph, softened the blow of Manchester United bowing out to Bayer Leverkusen in the other semi-final, and of course; Zinedine Zidane would score ‘that goal’ to gift Real Madrid their 3rd Champions League crown within the last 5 seasons. My allegiance to Real Madrid, also bled over to the international stage, as I rooted for Spain at the World Cup that summer; sadly, for me, South Korea would vanquish ‘La Roja’ after Joaquin missed his penalty, in their quarter final clash.

The 2002-03 season was my last season as a Real Madrid ‘fan’. Securing the services of the legendary Ronaldo from Inter Milan, Real Madrid now boasted a squad that featured: Roberto Carlos, Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane, Raul, and now Ronaldo; it was like the living manifestation of Championship Manager! Barcelona meanwhile, had gone about adding Championship Manager Legends: Javier Saviola, and Juan Roman Riquelme to their ranks, in addition to the former Valencia star: Gaizka Mendietta, as they sought to return to their former glory. While Rivaldo had sadly bid farewell to the club after his 5 seasons of majestic service, no one could have foreseen the mire that Barcelona were to find themselves in that season, in what was meant to be Louis van Gaal’s majestic return. While Real Madrid were battling for both La Liga, and Champions League supremacy, Barcelona were fighting just to secure a UEFA Cup place for the 2003/04 season. It would be this season, which I have my first memory an ‘El Clasico’, as Real and Barcelona battled to a 1-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu, on April 19th 2003 (what is it about that date!). This season was also significant for the first clash with took place at the Camp Nou, as Luis Figo was on the receiving end of a torrent of abuse for the home fans, so much so, that the contest was stopped by the referee for a duration of 20 minutes in a bid to restore order. The image of the former Barcelona man being assaulted with a torrent of foreign objects, including the severed head of a pig! Would be the everlasting image of this contest, rather than the 0-0 score line which the match ended by.

Real Madrid saw off Real Sociedad’s spirited title challenge on the final day of the season, as they recaptured La Liga. The European front was of particular interest in the Champions League at the quarter final stage, with David Beckham’s head clearly turned by the cat calling Real Madrid, he had badly fallen out of favour with Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United ahead of the crunch tie. April 8th saw a dominating Real Madrid side handily beat Manchester United 3-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu, with Raul netting a brace, just as he did in April 2000, however after Ruud van Nistelrooy’s away goal; the faintest of hope was still there, that United could pull off an upset at Old Trafford. How wrong we would be, as ‘Il Fenomeno’; Ronaldo, descended upon Manchester, and notched a hat-trick at ‘the Theatre of Dreams’ as Real Madrid won 6-5 on aggregate after an exhilarating second leg.

The summer of 2003 saw Joan Laporte running to become the president of Barcelona, and his campaign was centered on delivering either David Beckham, or Ronaldinho to Barcelona. The former chose to head to Real Madrid as the 4th consecutive ‘Galactico’, while the latter, was snapped up by Barcelona, right under the noses of Manchester United. Beckham was joined at Real Madrid, by his former assistant manager: Carlos Queiroz, as the Portuguese was installed as Real Madrid’s new manager, despite 4 trophy laden years with Vicente del Bosque in charge. It was at this point where I began to fall out of love with Real Madrid, as Claude Makelele, and Fernando Morientes were also cast asunder. Moreover, with the UK tabloids suggesting at every whim that Beckham was akin the second coming, and everyone in schools, second favourite team becoming Real Madrid, and a jersey that I just never liked; I had cut my ties with Real Madrid ahead of the 2003-04 season.

2003-06: The Ronaldinho years, and changing allegiances…

Barcelona hadn’t won La Liga since the 1998-99 season, and after the horror of a 6th placed finish, the club knew it was now or never, as they sought to return to the precipice of world football. Building the side around Ronaldinho, new manager: Frank Rijkaard had a job on his hands; embedding the youthful talents of: Xavi, Carles Puyol, Javier Saviola, Thiago Motta, Luis Garcia, and Ricardo Quaresma, with the ailing old guard, and it wasn’t an easy transition, during the Autumn/Winter of 2003. After 10 games, Real Madrid were 7 points ahead of Barcelona, as Valencia emerged as the dominant force in La Liga that season. When the 2 sides met on December 6th on match-day 15, Real Madrid claimed a 2-1 win at the Camp Nou; their first league win at the Camp Nou for 20 years. Roberto Carlos and Ronaldo netted for Real Madrid, as Patrick Kluivert pulled a late consolation strike; the stand thing in my mind however, was how much of a ragged time, young Ricardo Quaresma had against Roberto Carlos. That win sent Real Madrid to the top of the table, while Barca’ slipped to an embarrassing 11th place; a full 13 points behind Carlos Queiroz’ side. That chasm widened to 18 points on January 4th 2004, however something clicked at that moment, and a certain transfer had a lot to do with it…

Out of favour at Juventus; Edgar Davids was signed by Frank Rijkaard in the January transfer window, in what must surely go down as one of the best signings of all time, as far as impact was concerned. Upon the Dutchman’s arrival, Barcelona embarked on a 17 match unbeaten run in the league, a spell which included 14 wins. The crown jewel of that run, was no doubt the 2-1 triumph at the Santiago Bernabeu, on April 25th 2004. Despite Santi Solari giving Real the lead, Barcelona fought back through Patrick Kluivert, before Ronaldinho’s beautifully floated ball was met by Xavi, who stabbed the ball in mid-air, past the oncoming Iker Casillas to gift Barcelona a wonderful 2-1 victory; the fact that pass, and goal, never gets mentioned nowadays, is a testament to just how many moments of brilliance, Ronaldinho provided during his stay at the club. When the season was all said and done, Barcelona finished 2 points ahead of Real Madrid in 2nd place, in what was a sign of things to come…

Beginning the season in turmoil, Real Madrid were always 1 step behind Barcelona during the 2004-05 season, and when the 2 sides met at the Camp Nou on November 20th 2004, the league leaders made sure Real Madrid were made to pay for their win at the Camp Nou last season, as Samuel Eto’o (a comedy of errors on the part of the Real Madrid defence), Giovanni van Bronckhorst (a wonderfully worked team goal), and Ronaldinho (a penalty) scored in a swashbuckling victory. The win carved a 7 point gap at the top of the table, which Barcelona never surrendered, en route to ending their spell of 5 year spell without lifting La Liga. Real Madrid would claim a small measure of revenge on April 10th, when they saw off Barcelona 4-2 at home. Real attacked from the off-set, and were rewarded with a Zinedine Zidane goal after just 7 minutes, before Ronaldo added a 2nd, 12 minutes later. Samuel Eto’o pulled one back 8 minutes after going 2 down; however the sustained period of Barcelona pressure amounted to nothing, as Raul gave Real Madrid a 3-1 lead just before half time. Michael Owen’s finely taken goal 20 minutes into the second half sealed the win, however there was a late Ronaldinho free-kick, that left Iker Casillas rooted to the spot, as Barcelona claimed a consolation 2nd goal, in what was a thoroughly absorbing game.

The height of Barcelona’s dominance over Real Madrid however would come during their first meeting of the 2005-06 season. After a wobbly start to season, Barcelona were in fine form by their match-day 12 assignment with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu. Although only a point separated the 2 sides, Barcelona had won their last 4 games in a row in the league, while Real Madrid had bounced back from 2 straight defeats, with 2 wins in a row of their own. Samuel Eto’o really should have converted Ronaldinho’s incredible look-away pass early, instead he would converted the chance created for him by the surprise starter, a young man named: Lionel Messi, after just 15 minutes. Ronaldinho’s magical pass earlier on in the contest was a sign of things to come, as the second half became the Ronaldinho show. Picking the ball up from the half way line, he accelerated at Sergio Ramos like a possessed demon, leaving the future Real Madrid captain on his back-side, as he ghosted inside of Ivan Helguera, and let rip a curling strike that Iker Casillas could only watch fly past him. 16 minutes later, Ramos would again be defied, and although he prevented Ronaldinho getting goal-side of him; the Brazilian was still able to guide his strike past the Spain number 1, as Barcelona romped to a 3-0 win. Ronaldinho would be substituted late on, to a rapturous applause, even from the Real Madrid fans; echoing memories of Ronaldo’s ovation he received at Old Trafford, just 2 and a half years earlier. Like the season before, Barcelona would never relinquish top spot, and when the 2 sides collided at the Camp Nou, on April 1st 2006, the tie felt rather inconsequential, as Barcelona held an 11 point lead over Real Madrid. That contest would end 1-1 in a fairly uneventful match, a Ronaldinho penalty gave the home side the lead, before Ronaldo scored what was described by the commentator as a ‘demonic finish’, 15 minutes later, in what was to me, the most memorable thing of the bout. Barcelona would of course retain their La Liga title by a whopping 12 points, and win the UEFA Champions League in Paris, ironically in the same venue Real Madrid won their 8th European title in; the Stade de France, as Arsenal were beaten 2-1.

2006-08: A changing of the guard in Spain, as Barca struggled in transition…

All cycles, both good, and bad, invariably have to reach their saturation point, and if the future is not safe guarded against, then the results can be disastrous. While Barcelona’s spell between the 2006-07, and 2007-08 seasons would hardly be considered disastrous, it was still a far cry away from the success we had come to expect from them over the last 2 seasons. Real Madrid did away with the ‘Galactico’ policy, as Luis Figo was sold to Inter Milan back in 2005, Zinedine Zidane retired at the end of the 2005-06 season, and both David Beckham and Ronaldo were coming to the end of their contracts; instead they took full advantage of the ‘Calciopoli’ scandal; appointing Fabio Capello as head coach, and acquiring the soon to be crowned Ballon D’or winner: Fabio Cannavaro, and Emerson from Juventus, while further bolstering their squad with the additions of: Ruud van Nistelrooy, and Mahamadou Diarra from Lyon, Barcelona welcomed back Javier Saviola after a successful stint at Sevilla, while drafting in: Lillian Thuram, and Gianluca Zambrotta from Juventus, and Eidur Gudjohnsen from Chelsea; none of whom really settled into the squad, for one reason or another.

Coming unusually early in the season, the first Clasico was scheduled for match-day 7, where an in-form, and unbeaten Barcelona came to the Santiago Bernabeu, looking to repeat their excellent 3-0 win from last season. Had Barcelona secured the victory, they would have moved 8 points clear of Real, and left their rivals in the rear view mirror. With the humiliation of that Ronaldinho-inspired beating, fresh in mind; Fabio Capello would mastermind a 2-0 win over their Catalan rivals; just as he did 10 years previously, as Real Madrid won their first game against Barcelona, since the 2004-05 season. Mr Real Madrid, Raul, would open the scoring after just 2 minutes with a bullet header, before Ruud van Nistelrooy capped off a devastating counter attack shortly after half time to seal the victory, to move within 2 points of the reigning champions. The Camp Nou would bring the sides together again on March 10th 2007, as Barcelona tussled with Sevilla at the top, Real Madrid lay 5 points behind both sides, with 12 games to play of the season. What would transpire was in my opinion, the most intense, and thrilling ‘El Classico’ match of the decade, where a boy would become a man; the future was now, as Lionel Messi put in a performance for the ages.

It took just 5 minutes for Ruud van Nistelrooy to open the scoring, netting an uncharacteristic goal from outside of the area, he beautifully curled his effort, leaving Victor Valdes with no chance. Barcelona would quickly regroup, as Lionel Messi effortlessly slotted home past Iker Casillas, just 6 minutes after going behind. Just 2 minutes later, Oleguer would bring Guti down in the box, and van Nistelrooy helped himself to a second goal from the penalty spot, as Barcelona found themselves behind once again. Back on the front foot, Ronaldinho would turn back the clock and jink his way into the box, before forcing Casillas into action with a save; the rebound of his block landed at the feet of Leo Messi, where despite having a crowded goal to navigate; spectacularly volleyed under the roof Iker Casillas’ net, to make it 2-2 in the space of 30 minutes! A roller-coaster first half ended 2-2, however the drama would not end there; in one of his final stands for the club, David Beckham would provide the free-kick for Sergio Ramos to head home from in the 73rd minute, as Real Madrid went 3-2 up, with 17 minutes left to play. Just when it seemed Real Madrid would survive the Barcelona onslaught, Messi collect the ball from Ronaldinho, totally eliminating 3 players, upon leaving Ivan Helguera for dead; he fired a left footed pile driver past the helpless Casillas, to complete a 90th minute hat-trick to salvage a 3-3 draw. Wow, what a contest! The match would serve a microcosm as to what would unfold at the seasons end; with Real Madrid winning 9 of their next 11 games, they caught up with Barcelona, by virtue of a superior head to head record; had in fact leap frogged Frank Rijkaard’s side in first place, meaning that as long as they matched Barcelona’s result on the final day of the season, they would win their first La Liga title since the 2002-03 season. While Barcelona had already relegated Gimnastic to beat, Real Madrid had Real Mallorca to contend with, and as news of Varela’s goal at the Santiago Bernabeu filtered through the Camp Nou; Carles Puyol gave Barcelona the lead in their clash, meaning it would be Barcelona now on course to win a 3rd straight title. By the end of the first halves, Real Madrid were still 1-0 down, while Barcelona were now 3-0 up. With an hour on the clock gone, Real Madrid were still searching for the equaliser, while Barcelona now had a 4-0 advantage, Jose Antonio Reyes, the Arsenal loanee was summoned from the bench by Fabio Capello, and the former Sevilla man came up trumps with an equaliser; 2 minutes after his arrival. With 10 minutes left to play in Madrid, Mahamadou Diarra would gift Real Madrid the lead, before Reyes added a third, 3 minutes later; all but confirming Real Madrid as the 2006/07 La Liga champions!

Ahead of the 2007/08 campaign, Barcelona went all in; as they finally secured the signing of Thierry Henry from Arsenal after a 12 month long, protracted transfer saga, while Gabriel Milito, Yaya Toure, Eric Abidal were also brought in, as the squad was strengthened in all areas. Real Madrid meanwhile, parted ways with Fabio Capello, as they brought in the former Barcelona, and Real Madrid man: Bernd Schuster to take his place. A whole host of names came and went in the summer of 2007, as the likes of: Roberto Carlos, David Beckham, Ivan Helguera, Emerson, Jonathan Woodgate, and Cicinho all left the club, while the Dutch-heavy recruitment policy, saw Roysten Drenthe, Wesley Sneijder, and Arjen Robben all descend upon the Santiago Bernabeu, while Gabriel Heinze was signed from Manchester United, and Javier Saviola was also recruited, after Barcelona decided not to renew his contract with the club. Real Madrid were scintillating this season, securing first place from match-day 2; they remained top for the entire duration of the season, defending their title by 8 points, while Barcelona could only muster a 3rd place finish; falling short of ‘Los Blancos’ by a whopping 18 points! Interestingly, ahead of the first ‘Classico’ on December 23rd, the difference between the 2 sides was only 4 points. Real Madrid would ultimately prevail at the Camp Nou for the first time since their November 2003 meeting, as Julio Baptista’s super goal was all that was needed to separate the 2 sides, as Real Madrid claimed a fantastic 1-0 win at the home of their rivals. By the time the sides re-united at the Santiago Bernabeu on May 7th; Barcelona were fighting to salvage second place, while Real Madrid had already sewn up La Liga. No one could have forecast the 4-1 beating that Real Madrid were to inflict on their rivals, already having to suffer the indignation of performing a guard of honour for their most heated rivals; the champions ran roughshod against a painfully splintered Barcelona side. Amidst a rainy mid-week evening in Madrid, Raul netted his last ever ‘El Clasico’ goal after just 13 minutes, with a wonderfully improvised curling effort, before Arjen Robben headed in Julio Baptista’s free-kick 8 minutes later, to effectively end the Barcelona challenge for the evening. Young Argentine striker: Gonzalo Higuain entered the fray on the hour mark, and netted Real Madrid’s 3rd goal, within 2 minutes of his arrival, before Robinho won a penalty from Carles Puyol’s handball, to rub further salt into the Barcelona wounds. The rout would be completed by the 3rd member of Real Madrid’s fabled 3 R’s: Ruud van Nistelrooy, as the deadly Dutch striker netted in his 3rd Classico from the penalty spot. Thierry Henry would salvage a modicum of pride for the visitors with his late goal, but the damage had been done, as Real Madrid won 4-1; and Barcelona were left to make some huge changes going into the 2008/09 season…

2008-10: The beginning of the Guardiola era swings the fixture back in the favour of Barca…

After 2 years of playing second fiddle to Real Madrid, Barcelona and Frank Rijkaard parted ways, and with him also left iconic figures like: Deco and Ronaldinho, while Lilian Thuram retired, Edmilson went to Villarreal, and Gianluca Zambrotta returned to Italy. Barcelona promoted their former captain and ‘B’ team coach: Josep (later romanticized to Pep) Guardiola, ahead of the bookies favourite: Jose Mourinho, as the Portuguese took the reins at Inter Milan. Real Madrid meanwhile added more Dutch firepower to the ranks, as Rafael van der Vaart was signed to replace the departed Robinho. In a reversal of roles, Real Madrid, would never the see the light of first place, as Guardiola, and his magnificent front 3 of: Samuel Eto’o, Thierry Henry, and Lionel Messi rewrote the book on goal scoring, and how to play football; so much so that they occupied 1st place from match day 9 onwards.

Already a staggering 9 points clear of Real Madrid by the time their match-day 15 clash at the Camp Nou arrived, the powers that be at the Santiago Bernabeu became restless, and promptly disposed of Bernd Schuster; just 6 months after he guided them to the title. In his place stepped Juande Ramos, who had only been recently relived of his duties from Tottenham Hotspur; the former Sevilla coach had the ultimate baptism of fire, as his first game in charge would be at the Camp Nou, to face the rampaging league leaders. Real Madrid to their credit, kept the score at 0-0 for 83 minutes of the tie, before Samuel Eto’o prodded home from Xavi’s corner, amidst a skirmish of bodies, to finally break the Real Madrid resistance, in what would be his last ever El Clasico goal. Smelling blood, Barcelona finished off ‘Los Blancos’ at the death, as Lionel Messi clipped the ball over the onrushing Iker Casillas, to wrap up a 2-0 win, and secure Barcelona’s first win in this fixture since the 3-0 win in the 2005-06 season, to move 12 points clear of the reigning champions.

Much like the 2006/07 campaign, Real Madrid pursued Barcelona relentlessly, and their match-day 34 clash on May 2nd, saw just 4 points separate the 2 sides, with just 4 games of the season to play; Real Madrid were on a 7 match winning run in La Liga, while Barcelona had their own 7 match tear ended with a 2-2 draw with Valencia. Another contest for the history books wrote itself in what was an 8 goal romp for the away side. Gonzalo Higuain netted after just 14 minutes with a fine header, after an excellent cross from Sergio Ramos; justifying the home fan’s faint hopes that a comeback could be achieved in the title race. Those hopes would take a turn for the worst, as Thierry Henry netted a trademark finish, 5 minutes later to equalise. 3 minutes later, the Barcelona captain: Carles Puyol would rise highest, to head home a bullet from Xavi’s free-kick to swing the tie in the favour of the away side, and then 15 minutes after going 2-1 down, Real Madrid would be staring at a 2 goal battle; as Xavi pick-potted Lassana Diarra, to feed Leo Messi, who of course, made no mistake in putting the ball past Iker Casillas to make it 3-1. Still ‘Los Blancos’ would not give the fight up, as Sergio Ramos headed home Arjen Robben’s free-kick, 10 minutes after the restart to reduce the arrears to 1 goal; however just as they did in the first half, Barcelona responded instantly, with Mr Henry, helping himself to his second goal of the game. That 4th goal seemingly knocked the last vestige of home from the Real Madrid charge, as Lionel Messi was once again played in on-goal by Xavi, who almost nonchalantly slotted him his 2nd goal of the match in at Casillas’ near post, to make it 5-2. The final blow would be inflicted in the 83rd minute, as another Barcelona born and bred man: Gerard Pique, got in on the act, netting from close range to end the rout at 6-2. Ironically neither side would win any of their remaining 4 league games; albeit for different reasons, while Real Madrid were smarting from that 6-2 humiliation; Barcelona preserved their resources for bigger fish to fry, as they stormed to an unprecedented treble that year: winning La Liga by 9 points, and then claiming Copa del Rey glory against Athletic Bilbao, before capturing their 3rd Champions League title; dethroning Manchester United in Rome.

In light of Barcelona’s all conquering season, Real Madrid went for the jugular ahead of the 2009/10 season, breaking the world transfer record twice, as they brought in the 2007 and 2008 Ballon D’or winners: Kaka, and Cristiano Ronaldo, for the sums of £56 million and then £80 million respectively, in addition to bringing in: Raul Albiol, Alvaro Arbeloa, Xabi Alonso, and Karim Benzema; as Fiorentina Perez ushered in his new ‘Galactico’ era, also replacing Juande Ramos with Manuel Pellegrini. Barcelona in turn, secured the services of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, as Samuel Eto’o moved in the opposite direction. What ensued was one of La Liga’s most fiercely contested seasons ever, as Real Madrid finished second with a whopping 96 points, enough to have any won any La Liga season prior to that, while Barcelona retained their title with an astounding 99 points; the difference in points would unsurprisingly come as a by-product of the 2 sides league meetings.

Going into their match-day 12 collision, Real Madrid led the way in La Liga by a sole point, however after their November 29th 2009 clash at the Camp Nou; it would be Barcelona taking their place at the top, after a tense 1-0 victory. Zlatan Ibrahimovic netted the only goal of the match, and Barcelona would stay on top of La Liga for the next 13 match-days. By the time of their April 10th showdown at the Santiago Bernabeu, the 2 sides were locked on 77 points after 30 games, with Real Madrid the form side in La Liga; winning each of their last 12 league games. Once again however, Guardiola would have Real Madrid’s number, as Messi and Pedro, netted a goal in each half, to seal a fine 2-0 victory at the home of the their rivals; en route to retaining their La Liga crown.

2010-12: Goals, red cards, controversy, and over saturation: The Guardiola vs Mourinho years…

Ahead of the 2010/11 season, changes were again afoot in the Real Madrid managerial hot-seat as Jose Mourinho was installed as the Real Madrid head coach; with him came esteemed arrivals: Ricardo Carvalho, Angel di Maria, Mesut Ozil, and Sami Khedira. Barcelona meanwhile pulled the plug on the Zlatan Ibrahimovic experiment, as he returned to Italy, while Spain’s World Cup winning hero: David Villa was signed, along with Argentina captain: Javier Mascherano, as Spain’s two best sides, once again vied for domestic supremacy. Again meeting on November 29th, Mourinho’s Madrid were unbeaten after 12 games; leading the reigning champions by a point with the Camp Nou tussle on the horizon. With the bitter taste of defeat to Jose Mourinho’s Inter Milan, in the previous season’s Champions League semi-final, fresh in their mouths; Barcelona administered their most iconic performance ever in a Camp Nou ‘Clasico’; they would prevail as 5-0 winners in a display of frightening efficiency, and majestic football. Lionel Messi set the tone early when his audacious curling lob hit Iker Casillas’ post after just 5 minutes, before Xavi gave the hosts the lead just 5 minutes later. 7 minutes after going a goal ahead, Pedro would tap home David Villa’s low drilled cross to make it 2-0; fortunately for Real Madrid, they were able to keep the arrears at 2 as they headed into half-time. It would just take 10 minutes upon returning to the field for the second half, for Barcelona to resume scoring, as David Villa added a 3 minute brace, to make it 4-0; before Jeffren added a late 5th, to utterly humiliate Jose Mourinho and his troops, on an unforgettable night in Barcelona, which also saw 13 yellow cards, and 1 red issued; a theme that would repeat itself over the next 2 years of encounters. The outcome of the tie would of course see Barcelona usurp Real Madrid in 1st place; a position they would not relinquish for the remainder of the campaign.

Fate would ensure that the 2 sides would remain inseparable in April as La Liga scheduling already dictated the 2 teams would meet on April 16th in the league, before the Copa del Rey brought back together again on April 20th, and in addition to that, the 2 teams would contest the first leg of their Champions League semi-final tie on April 27th. With Barcelona already 8 points clear of ‘los Blancos’, the La Liga tie at the Santiago Bernabeu was more of more importance to Jose Mourinho’s side, especially after 5 straight defeats to their rivals. A Lionel Messi penalty was close to earning Barca’ an unprecedented 6th straight victory over Real Madrid, however Cristiano Ronaldo would net his fist ‘Clasico’ goal from the penalty spot himself late on to salvage a point. Jose Mourinho’s side would then exact a measure of revenge against Guardiola, and his troops 4 days later, as Ronaldo’s header in extra-time was enough for Real Madrid to earn their first win against Barcelona since May 2008, and in turn win the Copa del Rey, at the expense of the 2008-09 cup winners. After Alvaro Arbeloa’s sending off in the La Liga outing 4 days earlier; Angel di Maria would also be sent off in this fixture; ensuring that a man had been sent off for Real Madrid, in each of the 3 fixtures between the sides thus far.

Seemingly in the ascendency, Real Madrid welcomed Barcelona to the Santiago Bernabeu for the first leg of the semi-final of the UEFA Champions League, and after expertly marshalling Lionel Messi in the defensive midfield position; Pepe, would get himself sent off after an hour, and joining him would be Barcelona goalkeeper Pinto, and Mr Mourinho himself, as the game descended into a fracas. Free from being relentlessly man marked; Leo Messi broke the deadlock with 15 minutes to play, before adding a breath-taking second, dribbling straight through the heart of the Real Madrid defence, before bungling home past Iker Casillas to give the ‘Blaugrana’ a surely irrepressible lead of 2 away goals. With the damage already done, a 1-1 draw played out in the second leg on May 3rd, with Pedro, and Marcelo netting in a fairly innocuous game; and at the seasons climax; Barcelona captured their 3rd straight La Liga title, seeing off Real Madrid by 4 points, while also becoming European champions again; crushing Manchester United 3-1 at Wembley Stadium.

Ahead of the 2011-12 season, the 2 teams would be paired off early, as the 2 legged Supercopa de Espana unfolded in mid-August, and Barcelona struck first blood, winning 5-4 aggregate, with the 2 sides drawing 2-2 in Madrid, and Barcelona winning 3-2 at the Camp Nou; the second leg would see 3 red cards issues, and have Jose Mourinho suffer the indignation of poking Barcelona assistant manager: Tito Vilanova in the eye on the touchline, as the tensions continued at boiling point from the previous campaign. While Barcelona were dogged by an inconsistent start to the season, Real Madrid were the pillar of consistency, so much so that that by their December 10th meeting at the Santiago Bernabeu on match-day 16; ‘los Blancos’ were 6 points ahead of Pep Guardiola’s side. The Barcelona plight was worsened, just 25 seconds into the contest, as Karim Benzema netted the fastest goal in El Clasico history, to put Real Madrid into dream-land. Those dreams would become nightmares however, as Barca’ came back to secure a 3-1 win, following goals from Xavi, and the 2 key summer signings: Alexis Sanchez, and Cesc Fabregas, as Barca’ closed the gap on Real Madrid to 3 points.

The Copa del Rey was would again serve as the platform for another 2 legged affair between the clubs, and Barcelona would avenge their Copa del Rey final defeat in 2011, with a 4-3 aggregate win, after a 2-1 win in Madrid, and then a 2-2 draw in Barcelona. Once again Sergio Ramos would find himself sent off, as an ill-tempered affair at the Camp Nou, yielded a mammoth 11 yellow cards. With the news that Pep Guardiola would be taking a sabbatical at the end of the campaign, his side’s season invariably collapsed, however it was a 3 game spell in April that crushed his final season in charge of the club. After a 1-0 defeat to Chelsea in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final, they met Real Madrid at the Camp Nou on April 21st. With 4 games of the season to go, Real Madrid led the way in La Liga by 4 points, making victory a sure must for the Catalan side, if they had any hope of retaining their title. A splintered Barcelona side could only watch on as Sami Khedira put the visitors ahead after 17 minutes, and although Alexis Sanchez netted a 70th minute equaliser; it would be Ronaldo, and Real Madrid who had the last laugh, as his goal, just 3 minutes later, restored his side’s 1 goal advantage, as they went on to secure a 2-1 win at the Camp Nou; their first win here since the December 2007 clash which they won by the 1 goal to nil. In the end, Real Madrid finally ended Barca’s 3 year hegemony of La Liga, racking up a record 100 points, and 121 goals in the process, while Barcelona had to settle for the Copa del Rey, after bowing out to Chelsea in the semi-final of the Champions League.

2012-13: Vilanova carries in on Guardiola’s image during Mourinho’s last stand…

Tito Vilanova stepped into the Barcelona hot-seat following Pep Guardiola’s departure, and his first assignment would be the Supercopa de Espana curtain raiser, against a very familiar foe… A thrilling first leg saw Barcelona prevail as 3-2 winners at the Camp Nou, with astonishingly, only 4 yellow cards issued. The second leg would end 2-1 in favour of the 2011-12 La Liga winners, as they secured the trophy, by virtue of away goals, in a clash that also saw Adriano receive his marching orders; as Jose Mourinho’s men claimed the first silverware of the season. Unlike the previous campaign, it was now Real Madrid who were experiencing an indifferent start to the season; sitting 8 points, 5 positions below Barcelona, ahead of their October 7 meeting at the Camp Nou. In a showcase bout between the 2 best players in the world: Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo; the 2 talismanic forwards didn’t disappoint, netting a brace each, in a wonderfully played contest, devoid of any red cards refreshingly. The draw may have ended Barcelona’s winning start to the season, but didn’t stop them winning their next 12 league games, as they set La Liga on fire, winning a mammoth 18 out of their first 19 league games.

It was sadly in January 2013, that Tito Vilanova began experiencing issues with his health, and as a consequence, he was forced to miss a key sector of Barcelona’s season between early to mid 2013. This period would include a Copa del Rey semi-final with Real Madrid, a 2 legged tie that Real Madrid would comprehensively win 4-2 on aggregate; claiming an excellent 3-1 win at the Camp Nou, en route to the final. March 2nd would match the 2 teams again in what was thankfully their last meeting of the season, after a total of 17 games in 3 seasons; the fixture had become somewhat played out at this point, and with 14 points separating the 2 sides; never before had a league match between the 2 sides had such little significance. In the end Real Madrid would prevail 2-1, in what was Jose Mourinho’s last ‘El Clasico’ with Karim Benzema, and Sergio Ramos, netting either side of a Lionel Messi strike. When the season was all said and done, Barcelona won the title by 15 points, matching Real Madrid’s 100 point tally from the previous campaign, as both Barcelona and Real Madrid welcomed new regimes, and superstars, ahead of the 2013-14 season…

2013-14: League supremacy reigned for Martino’s Barca’, while Ancelotti was the king of the cups for Real…

With German sides crushing both Real, and Barcelona in the Champions League, both sides reacted by securing huge transfers in the summer of 2013; as Barcelona signed the Brazilian superstar: Neymar who had just won the FIFA Confederations Cup with Brazil in the summer, while Real Madrid broke the world transfer record for the 4th time, as they purchased Gareth Bale from Tottenham Hotspur for a record £85 million. Moreover, Tito Vilanova stepped down as Barcelona head coach in light of his health issues, while Jose Mourinho had been sacked by the Real Madrid hierarchy, after a reported near civil war broke out at the club during the 2012-13 season. Their successors would be Argentine: Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino, and the Italian: Carlo Ancelotti. With the last vestiges of the Mourinho/Guardiola cabinets removed; the first game of the season between the 2 sides, played on October 26th was played in much more of sporting spirit, devoid of the nastiness of those 2011-12 clashes. Neymar would net his first Barcelona goal in a 2-1 win, which also saw Alexis Sanchez score a beautiful lobbed effort; rendering Jese’s late consolation effort for Real Madrid a non-entity. The fallout of the contest saw Barcelona establish a 6 point lead over Carlo Ancelotti’s side, as they spent 23 of the first 24 match-day’s in pole position.

Real would have a brief flirtation with 1st place; occupying the spot for 4 match-days, unsurprisingly, it would be Barcelona who would end their stay on March 23rd, in what was a scintillating game. Andres Iniesta gave Barcelona a 7th minute lead, before Karim Benzema bagged a quick fire brace to give Real a 2-1 lead, however Lionel Messi would once again find the back of the net at the Santiago Bernabeu, as he equalised just before half-time to make it 2-2. Cristiano Ronaldo would fire home a 55th minute penalty, before Messi would net 2 spot-kicks of his own, to wrap up a sensational 4-3 win in the capital, to bring Barcelona within a point of both: Real and Atletico Madrid, with 9 games of the season to play. Although Barca’ would complete the league double over Real Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti would have the last laugh, firstly defeating Barcelona 2-1 in the Copa del Rey final, with an amazing solo effort from Gareth Bale winning the tie in the 85th minute, before securing their 10th UEFA Champions League trophy in Lisbon, as they saw off Atletico Madrid 4-1. Incidentally, neither side would win La Liga for the first time since the 2003-04 season, as Atletico Madrid stunned Spain with an unprecedented title win; drawing 1-1 at the Camp Nou on the final day of the season to be crowned as champions.

2014-15: Luis Enrique restores Barca to their perch, as Carlo Ancelotti loses his magic touch…

It was a summer of change for Barcelona: firstly, their former captain, and B team coach (not Pep Guardiola) Luis Enrique took the reins at the club, and a whole host of changes took place in the playing personnel as: Victor Valdes, Carles Puyol, Cesc Fabregas, and Alexis Sanchez, all left the club, while the likes of: Claudio Bravo, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Jeremy Mathieu, Thomas Vermaelen, Ivan Rakitic, and of course Luis Suarez all came in, as Barcelona sought to re-establish themselves as the best team in both, Spain, and Europe. Real Madrid would wave goodbye to both: Xabi Alonso, and Angel di Maria, as Toni Kroos, and James Rodriguez arrived to take their places. Ahead of their match-day 9 meeting on October 25th 2014, Barcelona were 4 points clear of Carlo Ancelotti’s side, and were set to give Luis Suarez his club debut, after his FIFA imposed 4 month ban, had officially expired. In a seeming role reversal of the December 2011 clash, Neymar would gift Barcelona the earliest of leads, however a Ronaldo penalty, followed by goals from: Pepe, and Karim Benzema, ensured a wonderful comeback was completed; gifting the reigning European champions a 3-1 win at home. The result moved Real Madrid within a point of Barca; as they went on to win 22 matches on the spin in all competitions, a run which included the capture of the coveted FIFA World Club World Cup in December 2014.

Occupying 1st place for 16 rounds in a row, Real Madrid looked unstoppable for the first half of the campaign, however nothing could stop the force of nature that was Barcelona in 2015. After losing 1-0 to Real Sociedad on January 4th, they would win 16 of their remaining 19 La Liga games, including a 2-1 win over Real Madrid on March 22nd. Jeremy Mathieu gave Barcelona the lead after 20 minutes, only to be pegged back by a Ronaldo goal, 12 minutes later. It would be the Uruguayan hit-man Luis Suarez however, who would be difference maker; netting a 55th minute winner, as Barcelona romped to La Liga glory, winning the championship by 4 points. Luis Enrique would match Pep Guardiola’s superb maiden-season treble, by winning the Copa del Rey, and Champions League also, defeating Juventus 3-1 in Germany, as Barcelona won their 5th European crown.

2015-16: Benitez blues, and ZZ tops, as both sides split equal wins (and losses)…

The 2015-16 season saw minimal movement in the transfer market for both clubs, however change would be at the helm for Real Madrid, as Rafa Benitez returned to La Liga after an 11 year absence; this time in charge of ‘Los Blancos’. After going unbeaten in their first 10 league outings, the vultures began to hone in on Senor Benitez after his first defeat; the 3-2 defeat to Sevilla on November 8th, and with the home clash with Barcelona next, a huge result was needed, in order to buy him some breathing space. With Barcelona already 3 points clear of Real Madrid, it would be a battle that Benitez simply couldn’t win, and after Barcelona ran riot at the Bernabeu, winning 4-0, courtesy of goals from: Neymar, Andres Iniesta, and a Luis Suarez brace; the end would be nigh for the former Valencia manager, while Barca’ celebrated going 6 points clear of Real.

From October 18th 2015 to March 20th 2016; Barcelona won 18 out of 22 La Liga games; and ahead of the April 2nd ‘El Clasico’ showdown, a victory for Luis Enrique’s side would have put them 12 points clear of Zinedine Zidane’s side, and surely out of sight as far as the title race was concerned. After a goalless first half, Gerard Pique broke the deadlock in the 56th minute, however the away side’s resolve would not be broken, as they became the better side in the second half; Karim Benzema, and Cristiano Ronaldo would fire back for ‘Los Blancos’; gifting them a famous 2-1 win at the Camp Nou, their first since the 2012 win that effectively won them the title. After Barcelona lost a further 2 games in a row, the La Liga title race opened up again, and although Barca’ would be crowned champions, Real Madrid did close the gap to just a point when the season was said and done. Moreover, Barcelona also successfully defended the Copa del Rey, while Real Madrid reprised their 2014 Champions League triumph, once again defeating Atletico Madrid in the final, to become 11 time Champions League winners.

2016-17: Bernabeu blushes aside; Real Madrid rise to prominence in 7 trophy sweep…

Going into the 2016-17 season, Barcelona (despite their quarter final exit from the Champions League), and Real Madrid were firmly entrenched as the world’s two finest outfits, and poor Sevilla would feel the brunt of both club’s force, as Barcelona beat them 5-0 over 2 legs to claim the Supercopa de Espana, while Real Madrid outlasted them to win the UEFA Super Cup by a 3-2 score-line after extra time. Yet by the time the first ‘Clasico’ dawned upon us on December 3rd, Real Madrid had remained unbeaten in La Liga since February 27th, and had not lost once in all competitions; sitting 6 points clear of Barcelona at the top of La Liga. Barcelona meanwhile, were enduring their worst start to a La Liga season after 13 games, since the 2007/08 season. After a cagey first half, the deadlock would be broken in the 53rd minute, as Luis Suarez headed home Neymar’s free-kick, to give Barca’ the advantage. With game reaching the catacombs; Real deployed their ‘all-out attack’ formation; pinning Barcelona into their own half as they pursued an equaliser, and as the saying goes: ‘Fortune favours the brave’, and as was the theme of ‘Los Blancos’ season, they would strike late on, and whom else would it be? Sergio Ramos of course; the Real Madrid captain would head home Toni Kroos’ late free-kick to seal a valuable point, and keep in-tact their unbeaten start to the season.

The rematch would take place at the Santiago Bernabeu on April 23rd, and Real Madrid would still have their 6 point lead over Barcelona, in addition however, they also had a game in hand to boot, making this nothing short of a must win game for Barcelona, as far as retaining their La Liga title was concerned. Having been the scene of their 4-0 humiliation last season; Zinedine Zidane’s side would have loved nothing more than to end the Barca’ title charge in front of their adoring support. Luis Enrique’s side took the game to the hosts in opening exchanges, however it was Casemiro who got the hosts underway just before the half hour mark, as he bungled home from close range. Despite being left bloodied by a succession of run-ins with the Real Madrid players; Lionel Messi was in no mood to play games, with much of the talk before the game highlighting that he had not scored in this fixture since his hat-trick in March 2014, Messi would equalise less than 5 minutes later, as he ghosted past Sergio Ramos following a neat interchange with Ivan Rakitc, before coolly slotting past Keylor Navas to make it 1-1. The second half would see Luis Enrique’s side take the lead as Ivan Rakitic lashed home a stunning effort from just outside of the Real Madrid box to make it 2-1 with just over 15 minutes to spare. Real Madrid had thought that the late goal trump card would be to chagrin of the visitors once again, with substitute: James Rodriguez knocking home Marcelo’s cross in the 85th minute to make 2-2. There would be a further sting in the tale however, with Real Madrid pressing for a winner, Barca’ would stage one more counter offensive, with Sergi Roberto bringing the ball from his own half into the Real Madrid half, he found Andre Gomes, who would in turn, pick out Jordi Alba, who would assist the oncoming Lionel Messi to guide home the most dramatic of 92nd minute winning goals! The Argentine would celebrate by holding his shirt aloft, in front of a stunned Santiago Bernabeu audience; a moment that instantly became iconic amongst the annals of the fixture, more importantly however, it gifted Barcelona 3 points, as they sought fight Real Madrid to the finish. Ultimately, it would prove futile as Real Madrid were crowned as 2016-17 La Liga champions, and then just 2 weeks later, would successfully retain their UEFA Champions League crown, defeating Juventus 4-1 in the Cardiff finale.

As Barcelona won the Copa del Rey for a 3rd straight season, the die was cast for the first ‘Clasico’ Supercopa de Espana since 2012, and there would be change abreast at the Camp Nou, with Ernesto Valverde replacing Luis Enrique in the hot seat, and Neymar surprisingly defecting to Paris Saint Germain in a world record transfer of €222 million. The signing of Paulinho, combined with a failure to find an adequate replacement for Neymar dominated the headlines leading into the 1st leg of the Supercopa as far as the Catalan side were concerned, while Real Madrid only solidified their standing as the best team in the world, having successfully defended the UEFA Super Cup with a 2-1 win over Manchester United on August 8th.

Taking to the Camp Nou in their change teal away strip; Real Madrid would draw first blood in the August 13th 1st leg, with Gerard Pique inadvertently putting Marcelo’s cross past his own goalkeeper to gift the visitors the lead. Keylor Navas would be adjudged to have brought Luis Suarez down in the box in the 77th minute, and the resulting penalty would be slotted home by Lionel Messi to level matters. Substitute: Cristiano Ronaldo would soon turn the game on its head just 3 minutes later, as a devastating counter attack would see the Portuguese curl home a fantastic right footed, curling effort past Marc-Andre Ter Stegen to restore Real Madrid’s advantage. Ronaldo would celebrate with a trademark flex; a statement which saw him receive a booking for the removal of his shirt. It mattered not to ‘CR7’ however, as he held his shirt aloft to a section of Real Madrid fans in the stadium; mirroring Lionel Messi’s celebration just 4 months earlier. With Barca’ shell shocked, ‘Los Blancos’ would smell blood, however Ronaldo, after believing that had been bungled over by Samuel Umtiti got himself sent off for dissent, an act that would have even greater implications for his club in the aftermath. Nevertheless, Marco Asensio would silence any reasonable doubt of a comeback when he lashed home a stupendous effort that left Ter Stegen with no chance, even at his near post.

It was all for Barcelona to do in the second leg in the capital 3 days later, Marco Asensio however had other ideas as he needed less than 4 minutes to net an even better strike than his goal at the Camp Nou; picking up the ball outside of the Barcelona box, and left with all the time, and space in the world, the young Spaniard uncorked an unstoppable left football pile-driver that left Marc-Andre Ter Stegen rooted to the spot. Karim Benzema would then royally end any discussion of a comeback as he helped himself to a brilliant goal just before half-time, to put Real Madrid 2-0 ahead. Despite Lionel Messi huffing, and puffing, he was powerless to stop the Real Madrid juggernaut, as the club secured back-to-back wins over their most fierce rivals for the first time since 2014, more importantly, with the 5-1 aggregate destruction, Real Madrid claimed the Supercopa de Espana for the first time since 2012, and the margin of the defeat forced Gerard Pique to conclude that for the first time in his Barcelona career, he felt that Real Madrid were superior his side…

December 2017: The presence of the present day…

Since August, the 2 sides fortunes could not have differed any farther, as Barcelona now lead the way in La Liga, and hold an 11 point lead over the defending La Liga champions. Moreover, since those 2 defeats in the Supercopa de Espana, Barcelona have remained unbeaten in their 24 games played since then, making them all but shoe-in’s to win this seasons championship, should they prevail at the Bernabeu on Saturday. This season will feel somewhat akin to Groundhog Day for the likes of: Sergio Ramos, Luka Modric, Karim Benzema, and Cristiano Ronaldo, as their title defence is on the brink of being reduced to a canter before the year is up; just as it was when they last defended the title back in the 2012/13 season. A 14 point deficit would see them all but surrender the title to the side they fought so hard to wrestle it from last season, and worryingly, they could also be as much as 8 points behind 2nd placed Atletico Madrid by the end of match-day 17. Zinedine Zidane’s side will be buoyed however by their current 4 match winning streak that saw them: defeat Borussia Dortmund 3-2, Sevilla 5-0, and then with wins over Al Jazira, and Gremio, successfully defend their FIFA Club World Cup crown. A win here for Real Madrid could be the turning in a La Liga season that has Barcelona look relatively unchallenged, and with a game in hand to boot; Real Madrid could conceivably have the deficit reduced to just 5 points.

I believe that with the humbling defeats that Barcelona suffered at the hands of the reigning: Spanish, European, and World champions this past August, Ernesto Valverde will deploy his side cautiously, and while the allure of revenge will be tempting, Barcelona will be very happy to return to Catalonia with a point in the bag, just as they were in their 1-1 draws away to both: Atletico Madrid, and Valencia. Real Madrid will be feeling confident that they can upset the applecart, especially with Gareth Bale to once again call upon. Scoring has hampered ‘Los Blancos’ this season, with the club scoring 10 less than they had at the same stage last season, a statistic that is made even more conspicuous by the fact that 5 of their 30 goals came in their last outing in the league against Sevilla. Zinedine Zidane’s side do have 11 scored in their last 4 games, so that would suggest that their mojo in front of goal in back; Barcelona however have some 42 goals to their name, and have leaked just 7 goals, making their defence the joint most resolute with Atletico Madrid; a phenomenal statistic, which should be credited to the work that Ernesto Valverde has done since taking over this season. In closing, it is my opinion that the game on Saturday will end in a 1-1 draw, with Real Madrid striking first, before Barcelona equalise late on, in what be essentially on 360 role reversal of the December 2016 clash at the Camp Nou. A result that keeps 11 points worth of distance between the 2 sides, with the book closing on La Liga for 2017.

Episode 130 draws to a close…

Here we are then, after a 6 week lay-off we are back with what will likely be the last blog offering of the year. I am looking to impose some changes to oWa in 2018, and with it, will come some cool new features and episodes! Don’t forget to head over to www.foreverfootballshirts.co.uk and get 20% off your order using the Promo Code: FFS20 at the checkout! The offer is valid until 05/01/18! Until the next installment, I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year! 😊

Goodnight, and God bless,

Steven,

OSSUUUU!!!!