El Clasico history: Sunday's match decides 124-year win tie

The rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid, established in 1902, has produced some of football's most iconic matches over the last century. The two clubs remain deadlocked with 106 wins each, meaning the Sunday fixture at Camp Nou will determine which side claims the sole historical lead.

Past encounters have featured global superstars such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane and David Beckham. More recently, attention has shifted to Barcelona's Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, alongside Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr. The match carries weight beyond the pitch, offering bragging rights that span generations of fans.

One of the most memorable recent clashes occurred on April 23, 2017, when Barcelona won 3-2 at the Santiago Bernabeu. Casemiro gave Real Madrid the lead, but Messi equalized within five minutes. Ivan Rakitic put Barcelona ahead after the break, and Sergio Ramos was sent off for a two-footed lunge on Messi. James Rodriguez equalized in the 85th minute, yet Messi scored the final kick of the game to reach his 500th goal for the club. Real Madrid still won the league title that season by three points.

In a chaotic 3-3 draw at Camp Nou on March 10, 2007, a 19-year-old Messi scored his first career hat-trick. He rescued a point for Barcelona after they were reduced to 10 men. Ruud van Nistelrooy scored twice for Real Madrid, and Sergio Ramos added a third, but Messi equalized in the first minute of stoppage time. Both clubs finished the season on 76 points, with Real Madrid taking the title based on head-to-head record.

Real Madrid's 4-2 home victory on April 10, 2005, showcased their Galacticos era under president Florentino Perez. Zidane scored early, Ronaldo Nazario doubled the lead, and Raul added a third before Michael Owen netted the winner in the 65th minute. Samuel Eto'o and Ronaldinho found the net for Barcelona, which still claimed the league by three points that year.

The most lopsided result in recent history came on May 2, 2009, when Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 6-2 at the Bernabeu. Gonzalo Higuain gave the hosts a 14th-minute lead, but Thierry Henry equalized within four minutes and later added a second. Messi, Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique also scored, while a second-half goal from Ramos proved insufficient. Barcelona won the league that season by nine points.

The rivalry also extends to cup competitions, as seen in the Copa del Rey final on April 20, 2011. Real Madrid won 1-0 in extra time after a goalless 90 minutes. Cristiano Ronaldo headed in a pass from Angel Di Maria to secure the victory. Di Maria was later sent off for a second yellow card, but Real Madrid retained the lead. The goal secured their first trophy under manager Jose Mourinho and their first domestic cup since 1993.