El Clasico

**TitoFan** · 12-25-2017 08:00 AM

Haven't been a soccer fan for most of my life... but slowly have gotten more and more into it. For instance, I can't be bothered to watch any MLS games in the U.S., nor too many other national league games for that matter. I'm more of a World Cup, Euro Cup kind of guy. However, El Clasico has always been a notable exception. I don't know of too many other intra-country rivalry that quite captures the excitement of this matchup between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. Maybe in England, I suppose. In any case, I happened to catch yesterday's El Clasico (recorded, actually

), and enjoyed it thoroughly. Not only because I prefer Barcelona over Real Madrid and Messi over Ronaldo... but because I also enjoyed some on-the-pitch mastery from one of the very best (Messi). That pass he made to Paulinho on a breakaway that almost resulted in a goal (Keylor Navas barely deflected it over the crossbar) was even more exquisite when played back in slowmo than it was watching it live speed. As with any good, competitive rivalry, seems Real Madrid holds a slight edge in lifetime meetings over Barcelona.

**Master** · 12-25-2017 09:00 AM

It was a good match and much better than having to watch Everton 0-0 Chelsea at the same time.

Their league is a formality for either one of them. The champions league is where it matters. With PSG and Man City it will be a good watch.

Then there is the world cup this year in Russia. That should be good.

**TitoFan** · 12-27-2017 03:32 PM

Merry Christmas to you and your family, my friend. Couldn't rep you... forum rules and all that.

Yeah... totally looking forward to the World Cup this coming year. Was a bit disappointed to see the U.S. eliminated from contention, but was even more flabbergasted at finding out Italy was also eliminated.

In any case, I plan to watch as many games as humanly possible.