Karim Benzema explains why he believes El Clasico is the best match in club football. (1:20)
When it comes to world soccer, there's arguably no game or rivalry bigger than Barcelona vs. Real Madrid. The sides renew acquaintances on Sunday (10:15 a.m. ET; stream LIVE on ESPN+) in the 247th official edition of El Clasico (excluding friendlies), and it might even be one of the biggest clashes in all of sports, rivaling the Super Bowl or World Series when it comes to global viewing power. These days, fans in over 180 countries can watch these two battle -- a population of over 650 million, though realistic estimates for viewing figures are in the 75-100m range -- and while both sides look vulnerable this season, the century-old feud will bring out the best in both.
It's a game that has given us some unforgettable moments -- like Barca winning 6-2 in Madrid in 2009 -- and has been defined by the dizzying star power in both teams. We've had Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo; Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos also broke the career appearances mark by playing in his 45th Clasico before leaving for Paris Saint-Germain last summer. Three Barcelona players -- Andres Iniesta (2015), Ronaldinho (2009) and Diego Maradona (1983) -- even received standing ovations at Real Madrid's Bernabeu stadium for brilliant single-game performances.
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Though there have been countless figures who have participated in or had an impact since the two sides first met on May 13, 1902, there are a few who have made an indelible mark on what the sport's biggest rivalry has become, either in how they transformed each club or in how they turned this rivalry into the biggest in all of sport. ESPN interviewed players, coaches and executives, past and present, about the magic of this rivalry, as well as what makes these characters so vital to El Clasico lore.
