.png)
1 month ago
25 ARTICLE AD
El Clasico matches, the fierce encounters between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, are always unpredictable and often result in closely matched win/loss records.
However, during the pre-season tours, it has been observed that there is always a clear winner, with Barcelona emerging as dominant in their recent American tour.
Interestingly, they have triumphed in all three pre-season El Clasico matches played in the U.S., and here we take a deep dive into those contests
Barcelona 3 Real Madrid 2 – July 2017
The first of these recent pre-season clashes took place in July 2017, with FC Barcelona under the guidance of coach Ernesto Valverde, while Zinedine Zidane managed Real Madrid.
Barcelona beat Real Madrid in a tight encounter in their first pre-season match in the United States. (Photo credit should read HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP via Getty Images)
The game was held at the Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, a venue packed with 65,000 fans eager to see this high-profile match. The encounter was full of attacking play from both sides.
Barcelona took an early lead with goals from Lionel Messi and Ivan Rakitic, putting them ahead 2-0.
Real Madrid fought back and equalized before halftime with goals from Mateo Kovacic and Marco Asensio. The match was intense, but the decisive moment came in the second half when Gerard Pique scored the winning goal in the 50th minute.
Neymar was particularly active throughout the match. Interestingly, this game turned out to be his final appearance for Barcelona before his departure to Paris Saint-Germain.
Barcelona 1 Real Madrid 0 – July 2022
Fast forward to July 2022, and the pre-season El Clasico featured new talent with Raphinha making a notable debut. Raphinha had recently signed with Barcelona for €58 million, with an additional €9 million in variables, and he quickly proved his worth.
Raphinha played a key role in Barcelona’s win over Real Madrid in 2022. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
The match was held at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, with an impressive attendance of 61,299 spectators. The game was intense and far from a typical pre-season friendly.
Barcelona, managed by Xavi, secured victory over Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid.
Raphinha played a crucial role, showcasing his skills and earning accolades from fans and critics alike.
Barcelona’s strategy involved shifting Ronald Araujo to counter Vinícius Júnior, a tactic that proved effective throughout the course of the season.
Barcelona 3 Real Madrid 0 – July 2023
Fermin Lopez scored a stunning goal in 2023 against Real Madrid. (Photo by Aric Becker / AFP) (Photo by ARIC BECKER/AFP via Getty Images)
The most recent pre-season El Clasico took place in July 2023, with a memorable performance from Fermin Lopez. The young midfielder, who was relatively unknown before this match, quickly endeared himself to Barcelona’s coach Xavi upon his return from a loan spell at Linares.
The game was held at the A&T Stadium in Dallas, drawing a record crowd of 82,026 fans. Fermin stole the show by scoring a stunning goal with a left-footed shot from outside the penalty area and assisting Ferran Torres with a brilliant pass.
Meanwhile, Ousmane Dembele also made his mark by opening the scoring for Barcelona. The match was intense, filled with moments of high drama and competition.
It was also notable for being Dembele’s last appearance with Barcelona, as he had played his final game for the club. In the subsequent match against Milan, he was seen watching from the stands, no longer wearing Barcelona’s colours before moving to PSG.
