One of the most intense rivalries in world football is set to resume as Barcelona and Real Madrid face off in El Clásico at Camp Nou. With the La Liga title potentially on the line for Barça if they avoid defeat, the match also follows a turbulent week for Los Blancos.
Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde was hospitalized with a head injury after a dressing-room altercation with teammate Aurélien Tchouaméni, ruling him out of Sunday’s clash. The Uruguayan stated the injury occurred when he “accidentally bumped into a table,” though tensions have reportedly been building. Could Barcelona capitalize on this turmoil to secure the title? Given their recent strong record against Real Madrid, it’s worth examining which players have historically won the most El Clásico matches.
Topping the list is former Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets, who won 23 of his 48 El Clásico appearances. The Spaniard was a midfield mainstay during one of the Catalan club’s most successful eras. In second place stands ex-Real Madrid player Paco Gento, who triumphed in 21 of his 42 clashes against Barça in the 1950s and 1960s. Former Barça defender Gerard Piqué takes third with 19 wins from 40 matches, narrowly edging out Lionel Messi—the Argentine also claimed 18 El Clásico victories, but from 45 outings. Real Madrid legend Alfredo Di Stefano rounds out the top five with 17 wins in 30 games.
Former Barcelona midfielder and coach Xavi sits sixth with 17 wins from 42 games. Three players follow, each with 16 victories: iconic midfield duo Andrés Iniesta and Luka Modrić each achieved that tally in their 28 El Clásico appearances, while ex-Madrid star Manolo Sanchís ranks tenth with an impressive 15 wins from just 23 matches against Barcelona.
