The global impact that a game between Real Madrid and Barcelona has is truly remarkable. Everybody stops what they are doing to witness the biggest rivalry in the game and hopes their side comes out on top.
The game has become known as ‘El Clasico’ and is the term that every league now uses to describe their biggest domestic rivalry. Controversy always surrounds this Spanish rivalry and the historical ramifications make defeat even more painful for the losing side.
Like any rivalry, Real Madrid have had their share of painful defeats, but have also enjoyed some incredible victories. Especially since 2000, which is also when Florentino Perez began his first term as President of the club. With that in mind, what have been Real Madrid’s best performances and how did they achieve them? Here are Real Madrid’s best ‘El Clasico’ performances since 2000.
Honorable mentions:
Both legs of the 2017 Spanish Supercup.
Copa Del Rey 2013: 1-3 victory in the Camp Nou.
2012/2013: 2-1 victory in the Bernabéu with the reserves.
2007/2008: 0-1 victory in the Camp Nou.
2006/2007: 2-0 victory in the Bernabéu.
5. 2007/2008: Guard of Honor and Hammering
Real Madrid were crowned league champions with a 1-2 victory at Osasuna. Their next match would be at the Bernabéu against Barcelona with the expectation that they would give the traditional guard of honor. Rumors had already circulated that some sectors within Barcelona were considering not giving them the guard of honor because of the rivalry. In spite of the speculations, Barcelona fulfilled the tradition and gave Real Madrid a guard of honor. However, that would be the least of Barcelona’s problems.
Despite already claiming the league title, Real Madrid put in a stellar performance and hammered the Blaugranas by a 4-1 scoreline with goals coming from Raul, Arjen Robben, Higuain, and Van Nistelrooy. Barcelona, who were already having issues, had a player sent off and saw Frank Rijkaard sacked as manager at the conclusion of the season. Along with the league title, that season would also see Casillas claim his first Zamora trophy.