Tomorrow marks the season’s first phase of arguably the most watched and anticipated sports match in the globe; the El clasico. The match, over the years, has turned not only into a mere contest of three points in Spain’s top division, La Liga, but an additional contest of ideologies and passions. What’s more, the clasico pits two bitter rivals, who many consider as the best among the current generation of footballers, and maybe of all time.
Lionel Messi heads into the match with an outstanding array of statistics. He is far much ahead in goals scored and assists created in the season 2017/18. Recently he was awarded Europe’s best goal scorer for the 2016/17 season. Prior to this match, Barcelona sits at the top of the table, 12 points ahead of fourth-placed Madrid, who have a game deficit.
Cristiano Ronaldo was also named Europe’s best player and awarded a fifth Ballon d’Or, which is the most prestigious individual football award. This 5th award draws him level with Messi. Ronaldo may not be enjoying a relatively stellar season, but the clasico injects a new kind of zeal and energy to the Real Madrid talisman.
The 1st leg of the El clasico will be played this Saturday, 3:00 pm, at Real Madrid’s home turf, the Santiago Bernabéu. The outcome of this match has been deemed decisive in the race for the season’s league accolade. Many football lovers acknowledge this match as the perfect pre-Christmas gift, in an equally football-packed weekend. The pre-Christmas fixtures start today where Liverpool face Arsenal at 10.45 pm in the English Premier League. Whatever side of the divide you are in, be braced for an explosive contest, for it is the clasico! . Happy viewing!
Arianda Tales 