
<p>As part of their sponsorship agreement, Barca and Spotify will once again swap out the Spotify logo. In its place will be the logo of a famous band.</p>



<p>The Rolling Stones will join last season’s guests, Drake and Rosala, on the front of the Blaugrana jerseys.</p>



<p><a href="https://twitter.com/EsportsRAC1/status/1701719009761063137" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RAC1</a> says Xavi’s side will wear the unique design in the upcoming Clasico against Real Madrid.</p>



<h2>Barca to wear ‘Rolling Stones’ shirt in El Clasico as part of Spotify partnership</h2>



<p><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/barcelona-tv-schedule/">Barcelona</a>‘s shirt sponsors <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5XNUsFKsbhkQcdIhYn5PhV" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spotify</a> have arranged for the team to wear jerseys with unique logos.</p>



<p>The Blaugrana have previously worn the shirt with Drake’s OVO emblem for the first El Clasico of the 2022-23 season.</p>



<p>A special edition kit with the logo of Spanish singer and songwriter Rosala’s album Motomami was released in March. There were also limited-edition kits with the artists’ logos produced, although they cost more for fans.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🚨 Barcelona will play the next Clasico with the Rolling Stones logo on its shirt as part of their sponsorship deal with Spotify. 🎸<br><br>The match, scheduled for October 29, will take place a few days after the release of the British band&apos;s new album. 🎵 <br><br>(📸 <a href="https://twitter.com/Footy_Headlines?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Footy_Headlines</a>) <a href="https://t.co/aVfzpqqBmZ">pic.twitter.com/aVfzpqqBmZ</a></p>— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) <a href="https://twitter.com/DeadlineDayLive/status/1701818827716100172?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>For the next Clasico in October, the La Liga champions will wear a special edition jersey with a logo honoring the renowned British band The Rolling Stones. </p>



<p>The next Rolling Stones album, Hackneys Diamonds, will be released worldwide on October 20, a week before the El Clasico. The Catalan team, together with Spotify, have allegedly their sights set on cashing in on this trend.</p>



<h2>Spotify will announce deal soon</h2>



<p>Even though Mick Jagger (80) and Keith Richards (79) are getting on in years, the Rolling Stones are still one of the best-selling bands of all time and continue to tour to this day.</p>



<p>Their emblem, which features a crimson tongue protruding from a pair of lips, has also become ubiquitous in pop culture. The report adds that Barcelona are very close to finalizing the arrangement before making an official announcement.</p>



<p>Photo credit: IMAGO / NurPhoto</p>


Barca's newest Spotify-affiliated musician to appear on jersey

As part of their collaboration with Spotify, Barca will be featuring a new artist on their jerseys for the Clasico


<p>Sources tell World Soccer Talk that the Soccer Champions Tour has found a home on ESPN networks this summer. </p>



<p>The 2023 tournament features a slew of friendlies involving many of the top teams in Europe. For example, Manchester United, Arsenal, AC Milan and Juventus. Also, Barcelona and Real Madrid play out their third Clásico in the United States. The Spanish giants also play games against those aforementioned European powers.</p>



<p>Channel details include many of the games appearing on ESPN+ as well as ESPN Deportes. Barcelona and Real Madrid fans are well-accustomed to ESPN’s channels, as that is the home of LaLiga. Of course, last summer, the Clásico friendly in Las Vegas <a href="https://www.foxsports.com/articles/soccer/real-madrid-barcelona-to-meet-in-las-vegas-during-us-tour" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aired on FS2</a>.</p>



<p>Even though the games are in the United States, ESPN acquiring the rights is welcome news for those interested in watching from home. Some of the world’s greatest players will play in these friendlies later this month. That likely includes preseason debuts for new signings such as <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/ac-milan-edges-closer-to-christian-pulisic-with-improved-bid-20230705-WST-441200.html">Christian Pulisic at AC Milan</a>, Mason Mount at Manchester United, Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid and/or Declan Rice at Arsenal. </p>



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<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="SOCCER CHAMPIONS TOUR invades America 🇺🇸" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g2acPW-h6s8?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
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<h2>Soccer Champions Tour on ESPN provides plenty of options</h2>



<p>In total, there are eight games in the Soccer Champions Tour on ESPN. As of press time, among the live games from the Soccer Champions Tour on TV and streaming, they include:</p>



<ul><li>Barcelona vs Juventus (Saturday, July 22 – 10:30 p.m. ET), <a href="https://go.web.plus.espn.com/mWebq" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESPN+</a></li><li>Real Madrid vs Milan (Sunday, July 23 – 10 p.m. ET), <a href="https://go.web.plus.espn.com/mWebq" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESPN+</a> and ESPN Deportes</li><li>Real Madrid vs Man United (Wednesday, July 26 – 8:30 p.m. ET), <a href="https://go.web.plus.espn.com/mWebq" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESPN+</a></li><li>Arsenal vs Barcelona (Wednesday, July 26 – 10:30 p.m. ET), <a href="https://go.web.plus.espn.com/mWebq" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESPN+</a></li><li>Barcelona vs Real Madrid (Saturday, July 29 – 5 p.m. ET), <a href="https://go.web.plus.espn.com/mWebq" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESPN+</a></li><li>Milan vs Barcelona (Tuesday, Aug. 1 – 11 p.m. ET), ESPN and ESPN Deportes </li></ul>



<p>Each of these teams has a strong following in the United States, and they will pull in audiences for ESPN’s coverage of the friendlies. However, the Soccer Champions Tour on ESPN does create some challenges for some of the other games happening at the same time in the United States.</p>



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<h2>Soccer Champions Tour faces plenty of competition</h2>



<p>For example, the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/soccer-champions-tour-goes-head-to-head-against-leagues-cup-20230512-WST-432646.html">Leagues Cup faces stiff competition</a> from many of these games involving European giants. Lionel Messi’s impending <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/how-to-get-tickets-for-messi-debut-against-cruz-azul-20230628-WST-439908.html">debut with Inter Miami against Cruz Azul</a> should not be affected. However, on July 29’s Clásico in Arlington, TX, there are Leagues Cup matches in both Atlanta and Austin. Those games may struggle to pull in the audiences. Worse off for the Leagues Cup, those games are airing only on MLS Season Pass, while the Clásico airs on ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes.</p>



<p>Then, there are other <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/club-friendlies-tv-schedule/">club friendlies</a> going on during the same dates. The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/premier-league-summer-series-ticket-details-announced-20230414-WST-428456.html">Premier League Summer Series</a> has games on the same dates as Arsenal-Barcelona and Manchester United-Real Madrid. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/how-to-watch-the-premier-league-summer-series-on-tv-20230705-WST-441121.html">Premier League Summer Series games</a> are mostly exclusive to streaming on <a href="https://imp.i305175.net/c/330866/1313913/11640" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Peacock</a>. However, select games are on USA Network or NBC. </p>


The Soccer Champions Tour has found a TV home at ESPN this summer. This mini tournament features a slew of friendlies involving top teams

El Clásico and Soccer Champions Tour to air on ESPN networks

destacadas


<p>Barcelona and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/real-madrid-tv-schedule/">Real Madrid</a> can no longer officially call their famous matchup ‘El Clasico.’ The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/la-liga-tv-schedule/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LaLiga</a> duo have arguably the most high-profile rivalry in the soccer world and the phrase is typically used to label the matchup. However, Spanish authorities have chosen not to officially trademark the term.</p>



<p>According to <em><a href="https://www.relevo.com/futbol/liga-primera/real-madrid-barcelona-pierden-clasico-20230526110033-nt.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Relevo</a></em>, the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office recently denied a request to trademark ‘<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/el-clasico-on-usa-tv-streaming-real-madrid-vs-barcelona/">El Clasico</a>‘ by the clubs. As a result, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/barcelona-tv-schedule/">Barca</a> and Real now can’t use the phrase for any marketing purposes. Nevertheless, the issue may not exactly be as significant as it appears.</p>



<h2>Slight difference to current trademark in place</h2>



<p>The official ruling was made because the office felt that there would potentially be confusion with another trademark already in place. Both clubs previously applied for and received a trademark of ‘ElClasico.’ The difference only being a lack of a space between the two words.</p>



<p>LaLiga, and the two teams, currently use this phrase to describe the matchup. The Spanish Patent and Trademark Office claimed that there was an obvious “likelihood of association” between the two terms. Barca and Real have one month to decide whether or not to appeal the decision.</p>



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<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="🚨27th LaLiga Title Loading?!🚨 Barcelona vs. Real Madrid | LaLiga Highlights | ESPN FC" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JM2eD3gAju0?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
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<p>The two clubs have a long history and have cemented themselves as the top teams in Spain. Barca and Real first faced off in May of 1902. They have played against each other nearly 300 times; however, there have been 254 official matches. Real currently have a slim advantage with 102 total victories in the official face-offs.</p>



<h2>El Clasico is a relatively new phrase for the matchup</h2>



<p>While they have a lengthy, heated rivalry, the actual ‘El Clasico’ term is fairly new. Mainstream media only picked up the phrase in the mid-2000s. Before then, Barcelona games against Real Madrid were ‘The Derby,’ but South American influence brought the term Clasico.</p>



<p>Major derbies in the continent regularly go by Clasicos. The most famous South American fixture between Boca Juniors and River Plate is the Superclasico.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / NurPhoto</em></p>


Barcelona and Real Madrid can no longer officially call their famous matchup 'El Clasico,' as it conflicts with a trademark.

Real Madrid and Barcelona banned from using ‘El Clásico’ term


<p>Fans of blaugrana, FC Barcelona are playing four games in the United States this summer, including el Clásico in Arlington, Texas. The good news is that you can find Barcelona tickets on sale before they become available to the general public.</p>



<p>First, you can purchase tickets through reputable sellers such as <a href="https://vivid-seats.pxf.io/c/330866/952533/12730?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vividseats.com%2Fsoccer-champions-tour-tickets--sports-soccer%2Fperformer%2F163581" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vivid Seats</a> who are offering World Soccer Talk readers an exclusive perk. You get <a href="https://vivid-seats.pxf.io/c/330866/952533/12730?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vividseats.com%2Fsoccer-champions-tour-tickets--sports-soccer%2Fperformer%2F163581" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">$20 off</a> your ticket order of $200+ when you use promo code SOCCER20 at checkout. Those tickets are available immediately, and you get a 100% buyer guarantee.</p>



<p>Second, from May 16 through May 17, tickets go on sale to Barcelona supporters groups as well as fans who sign up via the Soccer Champions Tour website.</p>



<p>Third and finally, tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, May 19.</p>



<h2>Barcelona tickets on sale for games in United States</h2>



<p>Here’s the complete list of Barcelona games this summer in the USA:</p>



<p>Saturday, July 22 <strong>— </strong>FC Barcelona vs. Juventus <strong>— </strong>Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA —&nbsp;<a href="https://vivid-seats.pxf.io/c/330866/952533/12730?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vividseats.com%2Fsoccer-champions-tour-tickets-levis-stadium-7-22-2023--sports-soccer%2Fproduction%2F4418404" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Find tickets</a></p>



<p>Wednesday, July 26 <strong>—</strong> Arsenal vs. FC Barcelona <strong>—&nbsp;</strong>SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA —&nbsp;<a href="https://vivid-seats.pxf.io/c/330866/952533/12730?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vividseats.com%2Fsoccer-champions-tour-tickets-sofi-stadium-7-26-2023--sports-soccer%2Fproduction%2F4418419" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Find tickets</a><br><br>Saturday, July 29 <strong>—&nbsp;</strong>FC Barcelona vs. Real Madrid <strong>—&nbsp;</strong>AT&amp;T Stadium, Arlington, TX —&nbsp;<a href="https://vivid-seats.pxf.io/c/330866/952533/12730?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vividseats.com%2Fsoccer-champions-tour-tickets-att-stadium-7-29-2023--sports-soccer%2Fproduction%2F4418423" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Find tickets</a></p>



<p>Tuesday, August 1 <strong>—&nbsp;</strong>AC Milan vs. FC Barcelona <strong>—&nbsp;</strong>Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV —&nbsp;<a href="https://vivid-seats.pxf.io/c/330866/952533/12730?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vividseats.com%2Fsoccer-champions-tour-tickets-allegiant-stadium-8-1-2023--sports-soccer%2Fproduction%2F4418426" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Find tickets</a></p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">☀️🧳🌴🇺🇸 We have plans this summer! <a href="https://t.co/O2RFnHEDeQ">pic.twitter.com/O2RFnHEDeQ</a></p>— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1657064589287096328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>Out of all of the games, the most highly anticipated one is el Clásico against Real Madrid, to be played in the stadium of the Dallas Cowboys.</p>



<p>The venue is one that Barça have visited twice previously; in 2011 against Manchester United and in 2018 against AS Roma. In their two previous games against Real Madrid in the US, Barça have come out on top both times: winning 3-2 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami in 2017 and 1-0 at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas in 2022.</p>



<p>For the complete list of games, view our <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/schedule-of-soccer-friendlies-in-us-this-summer/">schedule of summer soccer friendlies</a>.</p>



<h2>United States is integral to FC Barcelona’s plans</h2>



<p>In a statement from FC Barcelona, the club said, “the North American market is a key priority for the globalization and expansion of the Barça brand. Football is undergoing a great period of growth in the USA that trend will hopefully continue with the next World Cup in 2026 taking place on North American soil.</p>



<p>“Furthermore, FC Barcelona opened a US office in New York in 2016 and continues its efforts to build a greater connection with its existing fans and win more followers and reach agreements with local sponsors to help develop even further the country’s footballing ecosystem.”</p>



<p><em>Photo: IMAGO / Ulmer</em></p>


Get your Barcelona tickets on sale for this summer's games in the United States including el Clásico in Texas, among other games.

Barcelona tickets on sale for el Clàsico vs Real Madrid in Texas - World Soccer Talk

Barcelona tickets on sale for el Clàsico vs Real Madrid in Texas


<p>Real Madrid booked its ticket to the Copa del Rey Final with a simply dominant performance over Barcelona. The emphatic 4-0 win on the night at Camp Nou means Los Blancos advance, 4-1 on aggregate.</p>



<p>Entering the game, Barcelona has had Real Madrid locked up. In the last three contests between the two, Barcelona picked up three wins. One was <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/barcelona-win-clasico-in-pole-position-for-la-liga-title-20230319-WST-423794.html">in the league</a>, one was in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/barcelona-thrash-real-madrid-to-win-spanish-super-cup-20230115-WST-415628.html">Supercopa de España</a> and one was in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/barcelona-wins-first-leg-of-the-copa-del-rey-clasico-in-madrid-20230302-WST-421979.html">first leg of this Copa del Rey tie</a>. The latter provided Barcelona’s advantage entering this edition of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/el-clasico-on-usa-tv-streaming-real-madrid-vs-barcelona/">El Clásico</a>.</p>



<p>Barcelona had an early penalty shout, with David Alaba dipping his arm down while sliding. Gavi’s pass back into the middle clearly struck the defender’s arm. However, it was a natural position, as the Austrian was going to ground, and using his arm to brace his fall. Therefore, no penalty was given.</p>



<h2>Benzema hat trick propels Real Madrid past Barcelona in Copa del Rey</h2>



<p>Despite Barcelona having a number of great chances, it was Real Madrid to break the deadlock. After a tremendous save at the other end by Thibaut Courtois on Robert Lewandowski, Real Madrid quickly got forward with its elite front three of Vinicius, Karim Benzema and Rodrygo. Vinicius played the ball wide to Benzema, who gave it back to the Brazilian. Vinicius then tucked the ball into the right post. Despite Jules Koundé contorting his body to block the ball, it dribbled into Marc Andre ter Stegen’s net. The goal leveled the tie on aggregate. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">WHAT A COUNTER FROM REAL MADRID!<br><br>BENZEMA GIVES THEM A 1-0 LEAD IN EL CLASICO AFTER A WILD SEQUENCE 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/j4OfdLTSXg">pic.twitter.com/j4OfdLTSXg</a></p>— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNFC/status/1643702837560635392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>Just five minutes into the second half, Benzema was at the double. Quick interplay on the right side allowed Luka Modric to get in behind the Barcelona midfield. The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner fed the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner who <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNFC/status/1643708177853345792" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lashed a shot</a> low past the right side of ter Stegen.</p>



<p>Then, not long before the hour mark, Benzema grabbed his second from the penalty spot. A careless and frankly unnecessary challenge by Franck Kessié 20 yards from goal on Vinicius yielded a penalty. The <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNFC/status/1643711067544231938" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">always-clinical Benzema</a> slotted home to provide a three-goal lead on the night, and a two-goal lead in the tie.</p>



<p>Real Madrid added its fourth as Vinicius played through the Benzema, who <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNFC/status/1643716576028532742" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tapped the ball</a> over the trailing leg of ter Stegen. It was Benzema’s sixth goal in his last two games.</p>



<h5>Real through to the Final</h5>



<p>The 4-1 win over Barcelona on aggregate clinches a Real Madrid date with Osasuna in the Copa del Rey Final. Remarkably, despite all of Real Madrid’s recent success, this is the side’s first trip to the Copa del Rey Final since 2014, a win over Barcelona. </p>



<p>In the recent minds, though, this ends Barcelona’s spell of dominance over their biggest rivals. Last season, it was Barcelona that had a 4-0 win on the road. This time, it was Real Madrid’s turn.</p>



<p>For Barcelona, it is the club’s worst loss of the season. The club has only conceded 19 goals in Spanish competition this season. Real Madrid is responsible for nine of those. Also, this takes away Barcelona’s chances of a domestic treble, with the league practically wrapped up.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Pressinphoto</em></p>


Real Madrid rolled into Barcelona and dominated the Catalan club, punching the side's ticket to the Copa del Rey Final in May.

Benzema blasts Barcelona; Real through to Copa del Rey Final


<p>El Clasico is a frequent occurrence over the next 35 days with the latest coverage details from ESPN. Over a monthlong span, Real Madrid and Barcelona battle as the two top teams in Spain. Two of those meetings are in the Copa del Rey semifinals, a two-legged affair. In between those two is the second league meeting of the season. </p>



<p>That starts on Thursday with the first leg of the Copa del Rey at the Santiago Bernabeu.</p>



<h3>Real Madrid vs Barcelona – El Clasico coverage details</h3>



<p><strong>Kickoff time:</strong> 3 p.m. ET / noon PT – Thursday, March 2<br><strong>Watch now (in USA):</strong> Live on <a href="https://go.web.plus.espn.com/mWebq" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESPN+</a><br><strong>Commentators:&nbsp;</strong>Ian Darke and Steve McManaman<br><strong>US TV:</strong> Match is exclusively on <a href="https://go.web.plus.espn.com/mWebq" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESPN+</a> (Both English and Spanish)</p>


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<h4>Watch El Clasico on ESPN+</h4>
<p>Includes: Bundesliga, LaLiga, Championship &amp; more</p>
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<td><a class="button" href="https://go.web.plus.espn.com/mWebq" target="blank" rel="noopener"><span style="color: white;"><strong>Watch now</strong></span></a></td>
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<p>ESPN FC does have a pregame special of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/el-clasico-on-usa-tv-streaming-real-madrid-vs-barcelona/">El Clasico</a> before Thursday’s game. That, also available on ESPN+, runs for an hour before the game itself. The Spanish-language coverage has a 30-minute pregame show and a postgame show for the fixture.</p>



<p>ESPN will have a sideline reporter for the game. Sid Lowe will be reporting with any injury updates as they happen.</p>



<h5>El Clasico</h5>



<p>This is the third of five meeting between Real Madrid and Barcelona. Each side has a win in this season’s editions of the historic derby. Real Madrid won the first matchup, a 3-1 scoreline at home in league play. The second time they met was in Riyadh for the Supercopa de España. That was a 3-1 scoreline, too. However, that one <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/barcelona-thrash-real-madrid-to-win-spanish-super-cup-20230115-WST-415628.html">went to Barcelona</a>.</p>



<p>This game at the Santiago Bernabeu could define a trophy, something these two will be familiar with in terms of competing against each other. There is a second leg in about a month’s time. However, entering the reverse fixture with an advantage can dictate how the second game goes.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / AFLOSPORT</em></p>


El Clasico is back for the third time this year, and we know the coverage details for one of the world's biggest derbies.

Real Madrid vs Barcelona: El Clasico TV coverage details


<p>Sunday’s <em><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/el-clasico-on-usa-tv-streaming-real-madrid-vs-barcelona/">El Clásico</a></em> in the Supercopa de España has an added significance. </p>



<p>Yes, it is still the biggest teams in Spain going head to head. Both are at the top of the <a href="https://www.laliga.com/en-GB/laliga-santander/standing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LaLiga table</a>. Real Madrid cruised into the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/champions-league-tv-schedule/">Champions League</a> knockout stage, while Barcelona slumped into the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/europa-league-tv-schedule/">Europa League</a>, a competition it can, and should, win. Finally, both are in the running for the Copa del Rey. Yet, both Barcelona and Real struggled in their round of 32 games against lower league opposition.</p>



<p>So, if both clubs are still alive for domestic and European trophies, the Spanish Supercup, perhaps the smallest trophy available, would bear little significance.</p>



<p>That is not the case for this game. Only one can win <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/la-liga-tv-schedule/">LaLiga</a>. One can win the Copa del Rey. Both could come away victorious in Europe, but that is a stretch. At least, that is the case for Barcelona. Real Madrid always seems to play its best in the Champions League.</p>



<p>Still, the Supercopa de España is a chance to set the tone for the rest of the season. Neither side looks like a true dominant force in Spain or in Europe, despite the gap at the top of the LaLiga table. Winning a trophy early on can speak volumes for intentions in the remainder of the season. </p>


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<h4>Watch El Clásico on ESPN+</h4>
<p>Includes: Bundesliga, LaLiga, Championship &amp; more</p>
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<h2>Importance of the Clásico for the Supercopa</h2>



<h5>Barcelona</h5>



<p>The Catalan club has one trophy over the last three seasons, including the current one. That was a Copa del Rey victory in 2021/22, which required some serious dramatics just to get to the final. This gap in trophies is a lifetime for the club.</p>



<p>You must go back to 2007/08 to find the time Barcelona did not lift a trophy in a season prior to 2019/20. Only one of those seasons from 2007/08 to 2019/20 had less than two trophies. Therefore, success is baked into the core of Barcelona. Fans expect greatness in every competition, regardless of its size. </p>



<p>This season, Barcelona had all the expectation in the world. It closed out last season on a good note in the league to finish second. That is the only reason Barcelona is even competing in the 2023 Supercopa de España. This would be Xavi’s first trophy after he missed out on the Europa League and LaLiga last season. That would bit immeasurable confidence in the young manager, who already has Barcelona fans peering down on him.</p>



<h5>Real Madrid</h5>



<p>Real Madrid, perhaps the most decorated and successful club in the history of soccer, has not won a treble. That does not come into play in the Clásico in the Supercopa. Spain’s treble-winning awards are traditionally LaLiga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League.</p>



<p>That being said, Real Madrid is <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/villarreal-upset-real-madrid-with-2-1-win-20230107-WST-414693.html">in the running</a> for those three. Carlo Ancelotti has had no shortage of success in cup competitions with Real Madrid. Last season, Los Blancos won the Champions League and LaLiga after lifting the Supercopa around this time in 2022, defeating Barcelona on the way. Real Madrid can take the momentum from defeating a rival and apply it to the remainder of the season.</p>



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<p>On top of that, it would be a second win over Barcelona this season. That certainly strikes nerves into Barcelona come the tie at Camp Nou later in the season. That game may have serious title implications.</p>



<h5>Previewing the fixture</h5>



<p>In league play, Barcelona would be without Robert Lewandowski. His three-game suspension is ongoing, as he missed the Atletico Madrid clash. However, this is a different competition. As a result, he is back, and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/barcelona-survives-betis-to-set-up-clasico-in-supercopa-20230112-WST-415377.html">he scored against Real Betis</a> on Thursday. Moreover, Barcelona brings its full complement of talent. Pedri and Gavi run the midfield, and both had exceptional games against Betis. Even more impressive was that of Marc-André ter Stegen. The German made two stops in the penalty shootout against Betis to carry his LaLiga form into Saudi Arabia for this miniature tournament.</p>



<p>Real Madrid is also pulling no stops for this game. Karim Benzema, back from injury after missing the World Cup, converted a penalty in the regular 90 and the shootout. Alongside him, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric continue to rack up awards in what could be their last season together in Real Madrid’s midfield. It is virtually the same Real Madrid team that won last season’s Champions League and LaLiga. Plus, it is similar to the team that defeated Barcelona in this very competition, minus the departure of Casemiro replaced by a resurgent Fede Valverde.</p>



<p>That game last year in the Supercopa was a gem that went to extra time. This one on Sunday could shape up to be the same.</p>



<h5>TV Details</h5>



<p>ABC will broadcast the 251st&nbsp;El Clásico on Sunday, Jan. 15, at 2 p.m. ET from King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This 2022-23 Supercopa de España Final match will mark the first El Clásico on ABC Television. ESPN Deportes will televise the game in Spanish. English- and Spanish-language coverage will stream live on <a href="https://go.web.plus.espn.com/mWebq" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESPN+</a>.</p>



<p>Your match commentators are Rob Palmer and Stewart Robson. On ESPN Deportes, it’ll be Fernando Palomo and Mario Kempes.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / NurPhoto</em></p>


On Sunday, Barcelona and Real Madrid face off in the latest El Clásico in this year's Supercopa de España, a crucial chance for a trophy.

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