Barcelona v Real Madrid 'Legends Faceoff': Dream Date With La Liga Superstars
The likes of Javier Saviola, Edmilson, Pepe and Fernando Morientes have been household names among footballs fans in India and especially enthusiasts of the La Liga, the Spanish league, and now these legends of the 'Beautiful Game' will be displaying their world-famous skills when the Barca Legends and Real Madrid Legends face off at the DY Patil Stadium, Nerul, on Sunday.
Real Madrid and Barcelona are two of Spain's most loved and storied football clubs and among the world's greatest with the former being the claimant of 15 UEFA Champions League titles while the latter has five corresponding crowns.
Their tussles, more popularly known as the 'El Clasico' draws record viewership every time it happens during the season with their fans across the world including in India tuning in to catch one of the most anticipated games in world football every year.
Some of the icons who were part of those 'El Clasicos' are present here in Mumbai to dazzle football fans at the DY Patil Stadium with the greats including Saviola and Edmilson representing Barcelona and the legendary Pepe and Morientes to don the jersey for the 'Albiceleste'.
The prestigious event is being brought to the country by The Sports Front.
Argentine Saviola is an absolute legend when it comes to playing for Barcelona with 123 appearances and 49 goals scored and was part of the 2006 FIFA World Cup and 2004 Copa America, when Argentina reached the final.
The icon was excited to be in India for the Legends Faceoff.
"The opportunity to bring this rivalry to Indian fans, who’ve followed our careers from afar, is very emotional. Even though I am no longer a professional, I am never away from football. I hope this match inspires a whole new generation of Indian footballers and dreamers.”
Former Brazil international and Barcelona player Edmilson shared his thoughts of playing in India: I am very happy to be in India. The energy here is incredible. Different places have different football cultures. Both teams are bringing their culture here. It’s incredible to see the passion for football and we hope we can help in increasing the popularity of the game in India.”
Edmilson has appeared in 39 international matches for Brazil and also has 71 appearances for Barcelona.
Pepe is arguably the most experienced of the lot with 290 appearances for Real Madrid with 13 goals and needs no introduction to anybody having been a warhorse for the Spanish giants with his impeccable defensive skills as a centre-back.
The Portugal has also represented his country on 141 occasions with eight goals.
Pepe spoke about the growth of football in India.
“Thank You India for bringing us here. India’s football passion is exploding, and we feel honoured to be part of this journey. This match is very important, I hope it increases the popularity of the sport in India, help bring in more investments and help the game grow here.”
The hugely experienced Morientes has 72 goals in 183 appearances for Real Madrid while he has struck 27 goals in 47 matches for Spain.
The Spaniard was elated being in India for the big contest and expressed his excitement.
"Whenever Real Madrid faces Barcelona, there's always competitiveness. Football is fundamentally about teamwork, dedication, and sacrifice. I’d also like to express my gratitude to the organizers and hope that the fans in India enjoy the experience," he stated.
Speaking on behalf of the organizers, John Zaidi, CEO & Co-Founder of The Sports Front, said: “The stars have arrived and I can feel the excitement in the air. The Legends Faceoff is more than a football match-it’s an iconic moment. We’ve been planning this for many years and worked tirelessly to make this dream a reality. It is a big moment for football in India, and it’s just the beginning. Our goal is to bring the world’s best to Indian fans, and this is our first giant leap.”
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