There is often a fierce rivalry between the two strongest teams in a national league and this is particularly the case in La Liga, between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. From the start the clubs were seen as representatives of two rival regions in Spain, Catalonia and Castile, as well as of the two cities themselves. The rivalry projects what many regard as the political and cultural tensions felt between Catalans and the Castilleans. These include the ideals of a unified Spain (Castilleans) and a separate/independent Catalan nation.
During the Franco years (1939 - 1975) the rivalry reached a new level when Franco tried to capitalize upon Real Madrid's international success, while his regime was openly suppressing all regional identities (e.g. the Catalan language was officially banned). In 1936 FC Barcelona president, Josep Sunyol, a Republican, was murdered by Franco's forces. However, during the Spanish Civil War itself, members of Real Madrid (then Madrid FC) also suffered at the hands of Franco supporters. Real Madrid president Rafa el Sánchez Guerra, a prominent Republican, was imprisoned and tortured. They also arrested and murdered a Real vice-president and club treasurer and an acting president disappeared.
During the 1950s the rivalry was exacerbated significantly when the clubs disputed the signing of Alfredo Di Stefano, who finally played for Real Madrid and was key in the subsequent success achieved by the club. The 1960s saw the rivalry reach the European stage when they met twice at the semi-final stage of the European Cup.
As nowadays FC Barcelona and Real Madrid are the two biggest and most successful clubs in Spain, the rivalry is renewed on an almost annual basis with both teams often challenging each other for the league championship.
During the Franco years (1939 - 1975) the rivalry reached a new level when Franco tried to capitalize upon Real Madrid's international success, while his regime was openly suppressing all regional identities (e.g. the Catalan language was officially banned). In 1936 FC Barcelona president, Josep Sunyol, a Republican, was murdered by Franco's forces. However, during the Spanish Civil War itself, members of Real Madrid (then Madrid FC) also suffered at the hands of Franco supporters. Real Madrid president Rafa el Sánchez Guerra, a prominent Republican, was imprisoned and tortured. They also arrested and murdered a Real vice-president and club treasurer and an acting president disappeared.
During the 1950s the rivalry was exacerbated significantly when the clubs disputed the signing of Alfredo Di Stefano, who finally played for Real Madrid and was key in the subsequent success achieved by the club. The 1960s saw the rivalry reach the European stage when they met twice at the semi-final stage of the European Cup.
As nowadays FC Barcelona and Real Madrid are the two biggest and most successful clubs in Spain, the rivalry is renewed on an almost annual basis with both teams often challenging each other for the league championship.
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