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El Clasico Super Cup Special: Spanish Civil War, Alfredo Di Stefano and Two Contrasting Cultures

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A new season dawns, and just as the dust settles in, we're back on course with yet another Clasico, this time in the shape of the Super Cup, a two legged affair between last year's Copa Del Rey holders Real Madrid and La Liga champions FC Barcelona.

Last year we had it all; Drama, Chaos, Tension, rash challenges and to top it all up Real Madrid had Jose Mourinho as their manager, someone who manages to escalate tempers within the Barcelona ranks with real ease.

Real Madrid Vs Fc Barcelona 1-1 All Goals Highlights - El Classico 2011-04-16


The history between the two sides however goes well beyond this era.

The rivalry intensified during the Spanish Civil War, during the mid-1930s when Spanish regime led by General Francisco Franco was running havoc on the nation.

Real Madrid, represented the Spanish State manifesto and the Spanish culture of Franciso Franco's Nationalist state whereas FC Barcelona was the face of Catalonia, the north east of Spain, with a distinctive and contrasting culture striving for an independent sovereignty.

Football back in the day was a major influence on the people of Spain, and hence the two clubs became a symbol of republicanism and federalism for the supporters of Real Madrid and FC Barcelona.

In 1953, the tensions were fueled up by a young Argentine by the name of Alfredo Di Stefano, who later went on to become a legend at Real Madrid, and disputed by many as the greatest footballer ever.

Football's Greats : Alfredo Di Stefano


Alfredo Stefano, at the time was playing in Colombia on loan from Argentine Club River Plate when he was spotted by the two clubs.

Tough negotiations took place between the representatives of the two countries involved, after which FIFA sanctioned the transfer to FC Barcelona. That again started a dispute, after which it was decided that the player would play alternate seasons for both clubs.

FC Barcelona, later on went on to back out of the deal, a decision that allegedly was influenced by politics within the country at the time.

More recently, the transfer of Luis Figo added to the bad blood between the two. Catalan supporters branded him a traitor, and he was welcomed with the head of a pig, hurled with golf balls and bottles upon his return to Camp Nou.

Figo can't take corner kick vs Barcelona Hostile Crowd


As history has suggested repeatedly, these two footballing giants would once again lock their horns for yet another explosive show-down this weekend.

Spanish Super Cup Head to Head Record

Real Madrid wins 5, Barcelona wins 2, Draws 1, Total matches 8

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