Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona will be facing each other on Sunday for the first highly anticipated El Clasico of the season without Messi.
The Spanish giants first ever game against one another in 1902 at the Copa de la Coronacion.
However, in 1916, the first official “El Clasico” between the two sides was contested.
We're now on WhatsApp. Click here to join.
The two clubs have played a total of 246 times against each other across various competitions according to research done by sporting outlets Marca.
The rivalry is actually very tight, with Real Madrid leading the tally with 98 wins whiles the Blaugrana are two wins behind with 96 and 52 draw games.
Real Madrid are favourites on Sunday despite the match taking place at the Camp Nou.
The Los Blancos have had a better start to their 2021-2022 campaign whiles Barcelona have had a shaky season.
Real Madrid won both El Clasicos last season beaten Barcelona 3-1 at Camp Nou and also 2-1 win at the Alfredo di Stefano.
A lot has changed for the La Liga giants after the exit of both former captains Sergio Ramos and Lionel Messi.
Both teams will be eager to win one over the other to prove to their fans the long rivalry still continues.
Barcelona will have the chance to leapfrog Real Madrid with a win get themselves out of their miserable seventh place.
Barcelona host Real Madrid at Camp Nou this Sunday at 14:15 gmt
