On Saturday, Barcelona and Real Madrid will reignite their rivalry for their first competitive meeting since the end of last season – excluding their friendly clash in Miami.
Spain’s two biggest clubs will lock horns in the two-legged Spanish Super Cup tie, with Los Blancos being fully aware that a defeat in the first encounter will make lifting the trophy very difficult. Furthermore, an awful record is at stake for their captain: Sergio Ramos.
The Spanish center-back is already synonymous for his Clasico red cards, being sent off in their last competitive meeting. However, not many know that the defender is currently tied with three other players for most Clasico defeats.
The 31-year-old, who has been on the losing side in 16 Clasicos, is level with Real Madrid’s Raul and Manolo Sanchis, and former Blaugrana captain Joan Segarra. Defeat on Sunday will see Ramos take this unflattering title, and since he is the only active player from the aforementioned names, it is only a matter of time before he moves clear at the top.
Messi, on the other hand, is chasing an impressive feat. The Argentine, who scored in El Clasico Miami, is looking for his 17th win against the 12-time Champions League winners.
Victory this weekend will see La Pulga go level with Xavi for number of wins over Real Madrid – the midfielder needed 42 games but Leo has only featured in 34 Clasicos. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner trails record holder Paco Gento with his 21 triumphs and 50% win rate against Les Merengues.
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