Prelims - Of the four topics given below, an original article should be mailed to the Fourth Estate organising team.
- Catastrophes in 2008 so far.
- Nuclear Trust Vote.
- Prevailing Economic crisis around the world.
- Legendary rivalries in sports.
THE EIGHTY YEARS WAR…
A civil war bisecting the nation, a battle not manifested by artillery army tanks and bloodshed, a cold contest that is not fought for imperialistic or monetary reasons… This is Real Madrid v Barcelona FC – a politically charged rivalry dividing Spain, militated by 22 ‘soccerors’ for salvaging the pride of their club, the ideologies of their respective culture and moreover living the dreams of the soccer crazy Spanish supporters.
SPAIN – During El Clasico !
The rivalry can be traced back to the troubled times of Spanish Civil War, when Real Madrid was the face of the despotic dictatorship and Barca echoed every Catalan’s cry for a democratic nation. Barca was a symbol of defiance against Fransesco Franco’s dictatorship and the regime was behind Real Madrid. The clubs were seen as representatives of two rival regions in Spain, Catalonia and Castile. While the Catalans voiced their demand for a separate nation, Real Madrid (Castilians) tried to reassert its authority over the nation.
The Spanish giants locked horns for the first time in 1929. The match, which rewrote the grammar of a sporting rivalry, was eyed as a clash of two nationalisms, as the clubs played not only for the 3 points but also for honor and pride. Immediately after the Spanish Civil war, the friction and intensity of the enmity reached astronomical heights and the Catalans gave vent to their feelings through the El Clasico.
NOU CAMP (BARCA)
SANTIAGO BERNABEU(REAL MADRID).
"For Catalans, who see themselves as a nation that has lost so much politically, economically, and socially, a win against Real Madrid is especially pleasurable” remarked Jordi Josep Salvador, a Spanish sports affairs specialist. For the Catalans, Barcelona FC is more than a club( mes que un club). The El Clasico has seen footballic poetry from the finest pairs of legs in soccer history… Johan Cruyff, Maradona, Alfred Di Stefano, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo and Figo.
In war, there is no prize for runner-up. Barca and Real Madrid know it and this classic rivalry has produced some captivating matches, a few controversies that has hogged headlines and also legendary footballers, thus placing it in a stratosphere far ahead of any other sporting rivalry. Both the clubs have always had several local players from Youth Academies, who grew up with El Clasico’s intense history imbued in their blood. They make sure the rest of the team doesn’t forget that a lot more is at stake than mere points. The crowd chants and inspires their home team vociferously (if there was a roof in the stadium, it would be blown off by the thunderous sound!) while remaining hostile and intimidating to the visiting team with loud booing and shrill whistling.
Alfred di Stefano (the Argentinean legend) was up for grabs in the mid 40s and both the clubs were involved in an intense race to sign him up. He eventually joined Real Madrid; a decision alleged to be influenced by political pressures which led the club to unprecedented glory in the following years. The real fireworks though fly when a player leaves one of the two Spanish giants and joins the other. Luis Figo of Portugal moved from Barca to Real Madrid and he was welcomed frostily at Nou Camp, Barca’s stadium, with suckling fried pig heads and the like. Every time he came close to the touchline, a flurry of missiles and libelous words rained from the stimulated crowd in the stands. The match was ferociously fought and Barca eventually triumphed 2-0.
Eighty years have passed, nearly 200 matches have been played, Fransesco Franco is six feet under pushing up daisies, Spanish Civil War is only a part of history books, but this fierce battle will continue, as it is more than a game to the Spaniards… Més Que Un Game!
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