Chapter 1
The spark of greatness
Chapter 2
The classic era in Spain
Chapter 3
The quest for global glory
Chapter 4
Beyond the pitch
Ch 2 · The classic era in Spain
arti Between 2009 and 2018, the superstars faced off at least twice a year, elevating Spanish football's prestige to unprecedented heights.
BETA
arti Flick the ball to discover how Messi's ninety-two goal year compares to Cristiano's stats.
arti Guardiola's possession clashed with Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid counter-attacks from 2010 to 2013.
Glossary
el clásico (noun)
A football match played between the rival Spanish clubs Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. Between 2009 and 2018, Messi and Ronaldo scored a combined thirty-eight goals in these matches.
A football match played between the rival Spanish clubs Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. Between 2009 and 2018, Messi and Ronaldo scored a combined thirty-eight goals in these matches.
Fun Fact
Unbelievable goal tallies: In 2012, Lionel Messi scored 91 goals, outscoring entire world-class clubs like Paris Saint-Germain.
Quiz
How many consecutive UEFA Champions League titles did Cristiano Ronaldo win with Real Madrid?
Quiz
How many official goals did Lionel Messi score in the record-breaking calendar year of 2012?
Quiz
In what year did Cristiano Ronaldo make his world-record transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid?