Franco endorsed Real Madrid — the Real, or "royal" in their name comes from that — while Catalonia was oppressed by the dictator. Barcelona became the most public symbol of Catalonia, and calls for Catalan independence are still common at Barcelona
6.55 – Atletico Madrid – who Barça meet in the last eight of the Champions League of course – have beaten Betis 0-2 in Seville to move level with Real Madrid on 70 points ahead of tonight's Clasico. Gabi and Diego Costa were on target for Simeone's side.
9:49: We are well into the three minutes of added time and Barcelona are running the clock down, Busquets aiding that cause by taking his sweet time to get up from a Bale challenge. 9:47: Final roll of the dice, Alvaro Morata is on for Modric. Real
This was a classic clasico, full of attacking verve, controversy and incident, and it leaves the Spanish title race closer than ever after a 4-3 Barcelona win over Real Madrid. Atletico and Real Madrid head the table on 70 points, with Barcelona just
The Madrid coach has insisted that Benzema would be available for the derby and it appears he's a man of his word. Jesé is unavailable after suffering a full ACL tear during the mid-week. Barcelona's one big injury question