With a 26- ahead, Barcelona stands on top of Real Madrid in this storied rivalry.
LAST UPDATE: FOR THE CLASSIC ON 28/10/2023
Barcelona and Real Madrid have long defined the drama and prestige of Spanish football, and their clashes rank among the most eagerly anticipated matches worldwide. The rivalry has shaped the modern history of the game, and a closer look reveals a consistent pattern of intensity, talent, and strategic battles that have captivated fans for decades. Across the 21st century, these two giants have dominated the Clasicos, turning every meeting into a chapter of high-stakes drama and memorable football moments.
Since March 3, 2001, when the first Clasico of the new century unfolded, the two clubs have faced each other 68 times. That March game ended in a 2-2 stalemate at the Santiago Bernabéu, a clash highlighted by doubles from Raúl González Blanco and Rivaldo. The rivalry has evolved since then, becoming a benchmark for competitive balance and tactical innovation in La Liga and beyond.
As the years have passed, Barcelona has claimed 26 Clasicos, edging Real Madrid by a single triumph (25). The remaining matches have produced 17 draws, underscoring how evenly matched these teams can be at their peak. The numbers tell a story of consistency and competition that fans crave in every encounter.
In European competition this century, the two clubs have met four times in the UEFA Champions League. The early 2000s offered a pair of dramatic showdowns: two matches in 2002, with a 0-2 win for Barcelona at home and a 1-1 draw at Real Madrid, and two more meetings in 2011, culminating in a 0-2 result at the Bernabéu and a 1-1 stalemate at Camp Nou. Those games contributed to the enduring legend of the Clasico on the continent and reinforced the rivalry as a global spectacle.
Domestically in the Copa del Rey, the La Liga powerhouses have crossed paths ten times. Real Madrid has taken four of those clashes, including two finals, while Barcelona has claimed three victories and there have been three draws. These cup ties have often carried extra weight, offering a stage where both sides push beyond league form to claim silverware.
In the Spanish Super Cup, the teams have met eight times. Real Madrid has won four of those meetings, Barcelona three, and there has been a single draw. The Super Cup bouts tend to reflect the broader season’s momentum, serving as early-season barometers for form and confidence.
Beyond these marquee fixtures, the remaining 45 encounters occurred in other domestic competitions. In those meetings, Barcelona has won 19 times, Real Madrid 15 times, and there have been 11 draws. The broader head-to-head history across competitions paints a picture of two clubs always ready to push each other to the limit, no matter the context or stage.
Note: This overview reflects the historical balance and the evolving dynamics of one of football’s most famous rivalries, illustrating why Clasicos continue to draw global attention and deliver memorable moments for fans of the sport.