CONTRIBUTOR POST
Post By: Tia
EL CLÁSICO
It’s happening. It’s almost here. One of the biggest events of the 21st century. No, I’m not talking about 2012. Nor am I talking about HAND OUT FREE CHOCOLATE TO TEENAGERS DAY (which I intend to implement once you all vote me as leader of the universe.)
No. I’m talking about El Clásico. El Clásico…one of the most important events in the history of human-sports. For those of you out there who don’t know what El Clásico (shh, it’s okay. Help is coming!), here are three preliminary points you should know.
It’s to do with fútbol (soccer?)
Spanish league fútbol, La Liga, to be exact
It’s the ultimate showdown between the two BEST teams in the league - FC Barcelona and Real Madrid.
So firstly - let’s get this out of the way. Where was I born? Barcelona. What’s my favourite sport? Fútbol. So, who do I love? FC BARCELONA. But for the purpose of being nice, I’ll try to write this in an unbiased manner. (Even though we Barcelona fans do run around shouting REAL MADRID SMELLS LIKE BIRD POOP or something of that nature.)
So why is El Clásico such a hullaballoo in fútbol? Like I said, it’s because it’s the two strongest teams of the league. Well, it’s impossible to have two super-giants on one territory getting along fine and dandy...so of course, the two teams have a fierce, blazing, kicking rivalry between them. Which is why seeing them battle head to head is such a big deal.
And it’s not just in sport either. History even shows us of the two cities fighting on nearly everything under the sun. Now, in 2010, it’s rather frowned upon to beat up another city for no reason (wish it wasn’t), so the two cities have learned to channel their dislike towards one another in fútbol, instead.
I’m sure historically, the transition from fighting over land to fighting over sport was a lot more technical, but in my mind, it happened like this.
Old Barcelona Man: Excuse me sir, that’s where I intend to build my future house.
Old Madrid Bloke: No. I’m building my house here and you can’t do anything about it.
Old Barcelona Man: Yeah? I’m stronger and better than you.
Old Madrid Bloke: Then prove it!
Old Barcelona Man: Fine! I shall use my copious amount of pure body strength, agility, control, and all round good looks to show you that I will empower. I challenge you to a fútbol match.
Old Madrid Bloke: Bring it, sucker.
Thus, El Clásico was formed.
Thankfully, El Clásico doesn’t just happen once a lifetime. In La Liga (the league of Spanish fútbol) there are a few of them each season. Monday, November 29th brings us the very first one of this season. So everyone’s going nuts (FYI: Barcelona’s going to win)
So there have been quite a few of them in the history of this lovely sport, dating back from the 60’s even, to today in 2010. Since then, the wins have been even. Real Madrid have killed us, and we’ve turned it round and killed them right back. It’s a fair fight for everyone.
The fate of our lives depends on certain incredible men who are representing their respective cities. So who are Barcelona’s stars? Well, Xavi, Messi, Iniesta, Piqué, Villa, Valdés, and captain Puyol, just to name a few. (Ladies, you may not have any of them as they’re all mine) And who are the stars of Real Madrid? Ramos, Kaká, Ronaldo,Higuaín, Casillas, Khedira, Özil, and Captain Casillas, and while it pains me to admit it, others too.
As you can see, it’s a fair match, it’s a tough battle, and it’s happening on the 29th. So please, everyone, find your FC Barcelona fans and even your Real Madrid ones, and wish them luck. It means a lot to them. (My friends, I’ll buy you all e-ferraris if you hope for a Barcelona win.)
So YES, El Clásico is a BIG DEAL. It’s important, it’s epic, it’s special and most of all, competitive. This Monday brings a whole lot of tension for the two most famous cities in Spain and all their worldwide supporters.
And it’s almost here.
Consider yourselves enlightened.