The weekend’s first Clásico, featuring the legends of Barcelona and Real Madrid in Miami, ended in a 1-1 draw. The result also set the stage for Hansi Flick’s side to clinch the 2025/26 La Liga title later that evening at the Spotify Camp Nou against Álvaro Arbeloa’s squad.
The match in Florida, held just hours before the main event at the Estadi, drew the usual excitement from American fans eager to witness a Clásico, this time featuring some of the most iconic players from both clubs.
Barcelona dominated from the outset, controlling the first half and creating the clearest chances. Patrick Kluivert was a standout, spearheading several dangerous attacks. He tested the Madrid goalkeeper in the 4th minute after a run from Giuly on the right flank, and then forced two more saves from Contreras, with the second effort hitting the post before going out for a corner.
Real Madrid’s Legends offered a timid response in the first period, though they came close to taking the lead only to see their effort ruled out for offside. The crowd at Inter Miami’s state-of-the-art stadium enjoyed flashes of brilliance from Ronaldinho Gaúcho, who remains as classy as ever, as well as attacking moves from Negredo for the Madrid side.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Barcelona generating more danger in the opposition’s box. Ludovic Giuly continued his runs down the flank, Roger fired a shot from distance, and Nolito came close to opening the scoring, only for the Madrid goalkeeper to make a secure save. Even a combination between Nolito and Saviola, finished by Giuly, failed to find the net.
Barcelona’s persistence paid off in the 70th minute when Martín Montoya finished off a move by Aleix Vidal. However, Álvaro Negredo sparked a response from Real Madrid just two minutes later, converting a cross from Víctor Morán. Javier Saviola had a chance to put Barça ahead again but couldn’t reach Nolito’s cross, and the match ended in a draw.
**Lineups:**
– **Barça Legends (1):** Bravo, Sorín, Marc Valiente, Montoya, Aleix Vidal, Fontàs, Crosas, Rosell, Giuly, Ronaldinho, Kluivert. Also played: Angoy, Barjuan, Roger, Mendieta, Saviola, Nolito.
– **Madrid Leyendas (1):** Contreras, Toni Moral, Pepe, Agus, Callejón, Zamorano, Seedorf, Savio, I. Campo, R. Bravo, Fernando Sana. Also played: Bizarri, M. Tebar, Velasco, Negredo, De la Red, Balboa.
**Goals:**
– 1-0: Martín Montoya (min 70)
– 1-1: Negredo (min 72)
