The most memorable moments of El Clasico

• El Clasico is the name given to any football match between Spanish clubs FC Barcelona and Real Madrid
• On Sunday, these two teams clash again at the Santiago Bernabeu
• Lionel Messi shirt celebration in 2017 is undoubtedly one of the most memorable moments from El Clasico

What are some of the most memorable moments of El Clasico? Real Madrid and FC Barcelona are two of the strongest teams in Spain and both teams have a proud history.

For many years, El Clasico, which is the name give to the match between these two Spanish giants, has been producing a number of dazzling moments of brilliance because of the intense rivalry between these clubs. El Clasico was at its peak during the Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi era. Even though the two no long play in Spain, the clash between Real Madrid and Barcelona still get the attention of many football fans worldwide.

FC Barcelona and Real Madrid clash tonight. Photo/ Sportico.com.

With these two clubs set to meet again tonight, we have decided to take a look at some of the most memorable moments of El Clasico.

1. Pig’s Head Thrown At Figo (2002)

Fans throwing objects from the stands towards a player is not a strange occurrence in the football world. In most cases, the raged fans usually throw coins, water bottles or even a piece of clothing. However, one fan took it too far back in 2002 by throwing a pig’s head at Figo’s feet when he was preparing to take a corner.

A pig’s head was thrown at Luis Figo’s feet back in 2002. Photo/ ESPN.

There was a lot of tension on the stands after the incident and the referee was forced to suspended the match for fifteen minutes. Fans rarely remember the outcome of this match but this particular incident of throwing a pig’s head at Figo is occasionally mentioned. It is easily one of the most memorable moments of El Clasico.

2. Ronaldinho Receiving A Standing Ovation At The Bernabeu (2005)

It’s not everyday that a player from an opposing team receives a standing ovation at the Santiago Bernabeu. Back in 1983, Diego Maradona earned a standing ovation at the Bernabeu after a typically impressive display. While many might have forgotten about Maradona’s ovation, a good number still remember the Bernabeu crowd rising to their feet to applaud Ronaldinho for his stellar performance back in November 2005.

Ronaldinho had been kept quiet for most of the first half but produced a performance for the ages in the second half, scoring two goals. It was on this night that the Brazilian scored the iconic goal whereby he ran with the ball from the halfway line dribbling past Real’s defence before unleashing a thunderous strike from long range that beat Iker Casillas at his near post.

Ronaldinho received a standing ovation from Real Madrid fans in 2005. Photo/ Tribuna.com.

He scored his second goal of the match afterwards and the Real Madrid supporters at he Bernabeu stood applauding him for his outstanding performance.

3. Mourinho Pokes Tito Vilanova In The Eye (2011)

Jose Mourinho poking Tito Vilanova in the eye back in 2011 is undoubtedly one of the most memorable moments of El Clasico. During a brawl that erupted close to the visitor’s dugout, Mourinho, who was at the time the manager of Real Madrid, sneaked up on Pep Guardiola’s assistant Vilanova and put a finger in his eye.

No referee saw the incident and since there was not VAR at the time, Mourinho was never penalized despite cameras clearly catching him attacking Vilanova. He did apologize years later and was quoted saying “I was the one in the wrong, I shouldn’t have done what I did. Of course not, that negative image stays forever. Tito had nothing to do with it. I apologize to him.”

4. Bale Scores Winner In Copa Del Rey Final (2014)

Back in 2014, Barcelona and Real Madrid were tied at 1-1 with five minutes left in the Copa del Rey final when Gareth Bale suddenly exploded and ran all the way from the halfway line beating Marc Bartra before scoring one of the most iconic goals in history. His goal won Real Madrid the Copa del Rey, which was the first major trophy of his career.

5. Messi Shirt Celebration In 2017

Lionel Messi’s iconic shirt celebration. Photo/ Goal.com.

On April 24, 2017, Lionel Messi produced one of the most iconic goals in football history after scoring a later winner against Real Madrid. The Argentine took off his shirt and showed the back of the jersey to the home fans at the Santiago Bernabeu, yet looking angry.

While many don’t even remember the goal, the football world remembers the iconic celebration. Messi’s celebration is undoubtedly one of the most memorable moments of El Clasico.