Posted on Monday, 6 October 2014

• Madrid, Spain – Sun 26^th October – La Liga

        Real Madrid vs Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium

        El Clásico

Known as El Clásico, Real Madrid vs Barcelona is probably the biggest club match in the world, with only the Champions League final coming close to its build-up, anticipation and audience numbers. Between the two biggest cities in Spain, El Clásico represents more than just the two clubs, with political significance added to the occasion – often pitted as Real Madrid representing Spanish nationalism and Barcelona representing Catalanism.

Real Madrid and Barcelona are amongst the richest and most successful clubs on the planet, which subsequently means they attract some of the biggest and best players in the world. Both teams boast an incredible array of talent that include undoubtedly the two best players of their generation (perhaps two of the best ever) in Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo of Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively. This level of talent will almost certainly ensure that the match quality is magnífico!

Leo Messi (Maxisports/Bigstock.com)

Apart from geographical and political differences, Barcelona's preference for nurturing youth players and Real Madrid's Galácticos policy means that philosophical differences also add to the rivalry (although Barcelona's preference for nurturing youth players has been called into question in recent years with them making big money purchases). With all these disparities taken into account, violence between fans is relatively low, often only occurring between Ultras. However, racism is still a major issue in Spanish football with high profile cases last season highlighting the extent of the issue.

This intolerance in the stands is completely at odds with the views and opinions of the typical Spaniard on the streets of Spain. Although the country suffers from inter-regional and national tensions, the Spanish themselves are a passionate and tolerant people, with an easy going attitude towards most things (expect politics). This unique mix of attitudes is typified nowhere better than Madrid, where you'll also find an instinct in every Madrileños of knowing how to live to the full, which fuels the cities enormous energy.

Santiago Bernabeu Stadium (Paha_L/Bigstock.com)

This energy is experienced best on the tiled floors of Madrid's many bars (which it has more of than any other city on earth) where the upbeat crowds of people roam around the city together in mass herds, seeking another venue to water at – this migrating usually continues until dawn. And unlike most places on earth, the morning after the night before is no time to suffer as Madrid is world famous for its culinary skills and cuisine that at its heart has an enthusiasm for the new, with a deep-rooted passion for the old. You'll also find yourself occupied throughout the day with Madrid's incredible choice of art museums, outstanding architecture, as well as glorious gardens.

People too often spout that Madrid lacks the sights and history of Paris, Rome or even Barcelona. Our opinion to that throwaway comment: Those people have never been to Madrid.

Tickets for this game start at around £180 / Norwegian.com fly from LGW for around £100 / 3* accommodation starts at around £70 per night.

We would like to advise you now that, unfortunately, due to the popularity of the below matches, tickets can often be difficult to source, so planning in advance is often required (but not always a necessity). Prices quoted were a rough estimate on the day they were researched and are likely to have fluctuated since.

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