Real Madrid vs. Barcelona: Top 5 El Clasico Performances of all time
The rivalry that has dominated the headlines for decades resumes on Saturday when Real Madrid travel to the Camp Nou to take on their arch-rivals Barcelona. While Real Madrid have begun the season in the best possible fashion and currently sit in the top spot, The Catalans have stuttered their way to the third spot in La Liga and would be wary of the lead that their rivals are building in the league.
However, all that will be forgotten when the two sides lock horns on Saturday, with players expected to go into the game with the intensity demanded to ensure that their team comes out on top. We have been privy to some exceptional performances in the El Clasicos over the time and in this segment, we take a look at 5 of the best individual performances in the fixture over time.
#5 Gareth Bale (2014)
Bale had moved to Real Madrid at the start of the 2013-14 season at what was then a world record fee and the expectations were high frpm the player. However, the Welshman took some time adapting to life in Spain and with the riches of Real Madrid ensuring the fight for starting spot was as intense as ever, Bale was restricted to a bit-part role. However, Bale grew with the season and perhaps, his most impressive and vital performance for the Los Blancos came in the Copa Del Ray final against their arch-rivals in Valencia.
Real had taken the lead through a Di Maria goal before Marc Bartra equalised and the match was poised for an exciting finish. However, Barcelona’s goal scorer was then served a Bale special, when the Welshman showcased his strength and pace to outrun him from the halfway line and scored the winner for his club with just over 5 minutes left for the game to end.
It was his first goal in the El Clasicos and what a way it was to begin goal scoring against their arch-rivals and the goal will definitely continue to haunt the Barcelona fans and inspire the Real Madrid faithful for decades to come.