Barca comes back to win Clasico (News Story)

            Living in Barcelona, one is overwhelmed with Catalan nationalism.  A huge part of this nationalism is Catalonia’s love for their football club, FC Barcelona.  Walking down my street I see FC Barcelona backpacks on little kids and in the window for sale of a school supplies store.  It is almost impossible to walk anywhere without spotting somewhere wearing a piece of FC Barcelona apparel.  Barca’s main rival is Real Madrid.  This rivalry has its roots in something way deeper than football.  The rivalry stems from a historical rivalry between the two cities.  Madrid, the capital of Spain, has suppressed Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia that continues to fight for its own nationhood, throughout history.  Wars, such as the Spanish War of Succession and the Spanish Civil War, have left Barcelona crippled and destroyed by the hands of their enemy.  Football is something Catalonians pride themselves in and use as a motor to beat their sworn rival, Madrid.

            Barcelona was behind Madrid in the rankings prior to this last Saturday’s game.  The rival matches between Barca and Madrid are given the name “El Clasico.”  Never disappointing, this Saturday was no different.  To start things off with a spark, Madrid scored first only 22 seconds into the game.  From this moment on, Barcelona strangled their host in a display of dominance. At 30’ Sanchez scored of a pass from Messi.  To kick off the second half, Xavi scored.  And to seal the deal, Fabregas scored at 66’.[1]  The result was a huge blow for Madrid, who had serious confidence going into the game on a hot streak.  The win for FC Barcelona was crucial, as they will try to continue this momentum into the post season.

---

[1] Barca comes back to win Clasico. ESPN, 2011.