Real Madrid's friendly to save Barcelona Real Madrid Before the Clasico rivalry existed

In 1906, football was still in its infancy and the concept of pre-season didn't yet exist.

Real Madrid had played just six games - three to win a cup and three friendlies - with a match on May 13 closing the year's work in something that was like a work of science fiction.

Madrid travelled to Catalonia with the aim of helping Barcelona, who found themselves in a huge crisis.

Then, Catalan football was in a troublesome situation. It wasn't very advanced and a 10-1 loss at San Mames saw the Azulgrana harshly criticised in the Basque press.

So, Los Blancos made the trip in order to help Barcelona out of their crisis in the days before the term 'El Clasico' had ever been uttered for a football match.

Barcelona couldn't count on their regular squad, and it was an XI from the city who took on Madrid, going on to win 5-2.

But Madrid were anything but happy due to the treatment they received on the day.

Afterwards, the Catalan press heaped praise on Los Blancos for their generosity.

"We must not forget that with this we have the rebirth of football in our capital," wrote El Mundo Deportivo.

"We must therefore be grateful."