Real Madrid versus Barcelona, best known as El Clásico, is the most famous derby in world soccer.
More than just a battle between Spanish football's two most successful-ever teams, it’s a clash of identities, deeply rooted in both sporting traditions and political history.
Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, represents an autonomous region in northeastern Spain that has sought independence from mainland Spain since the mid-19th century. The soccer club takes pride in its philosophy of developing talent through its renowned La Masia academy.
Real Madrid, by contrast, is closely associated with the Spanish royal family and Spanish nationalism. The club is renowned for its tendency to invest heavily in world soccer’s top stars, rather than relying on players developed from within.
Since first facing off in 1902, the two clubs and their contrasting philosophies have clashed over 250 times.
But which of the two has emerged victorious more often?
