El Clasico is probably as big as it gets in club football. Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, the two biggest clubs in Spain go against each other. With another big game on the horizon, here is a look back at the history of El Clasicos as we try ranking Real Madrid’s most iconic moments of the fixture.
5. Alfredo Di Stefano’s controversial transfer and 4 Clasico goals
Alfredo Di Stefano must be a name that rings bells for Madridistas. More so, because of the stadium that bears the legend’s name. With the Bernabeu under renovation, the stadium has been housing Los Blancos. It is always handy to know a little about the history of what right now is a household name for all Madridistas.
Di Stefano’s transfer to Real Madrid is counted among the most controversial moves in football history. He had impressed both the Spanish heavyweights while playing for a Columbian club called Millonarios. It was utter confusion when both Los Blancos and Catalans paid different clubs for the striker. Real paid 1.5 million to Millonarios while Barca paid a whopping four million to River Plate, his former outfit.
With all uncertainties looming over his move, the Spanish Football Federation announced a ban on foreign transfers in La Liga to further complicate matters. Later when the ban was lifted, it was decided that Di Stefano had to play two years for each club. But following this update, the frustrated Catalan side withdrew their interest and he finally wore the Royal White kit in 1953.
In his very first Clasico match which was two weeks after his move, the Argentine scored four goals in an overall 5-0 win for Real Madrid. His performance only rubbed salts to the Catalan wounds of being unable to sign the striker.