El Clásico (Feat. Graham Hunter)

This is the glamor match of world football, the grandest stage for the biggest stars. This was Lionel Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane vs. Ronaldinho, Raúl vs. Carles Puyol. And then there was Luís Figo. It's a fixture known for its legendary names and a consistently exquisite level of technical play, but the disagreement between Real Madrid and Barcelona has roots that run deep into modern Spanish social and political history. These are two outfits from different regions with clashing philosophies who have competed with one another for the biggest trophies for a long time. They really do not like each other.

ESPN's Spanish football writer Graham Hunter joins the show to offer his insight on this rivalry from decades living in Spain and covering La Liga, including:

the legacy of the Spanish Civil War and the Franco regime with regard to both of these clubs; how commercialization and marketing have changed the rivalry; the legend of Alfredo Di Stefano; how Florentino Perez used Figo to rise to power at Real Madrid, and how Zidane became the Galáctico archetype; the severe mismanagement of FC Barcelona in recent years and the role of player power; how Xavi's departure will be a dark day for the Spanish press; and Carlo Ancelotti's legacy as one of the all-time greats of football management.

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