Where is the Mystique? A Look into Who's Missing at El Classico


Share this post

One of soccer's biggest dates on the schedule has lost it's luster.  From intriguing storylines to the roughest defender in the world and of course the two best soccer players of this generation going head to head to see who's best in a way that we would only see if their national teams of Portugal and Argentina drew a matchup at the world cup.

The guy who created the pass , pass , pass system is now at Manchester United (Pep Guardiola). Iniesta is in China, Suarez is in Madrid, Neymar is in Paris, ...Eto'o and Ronaldinho are on their couches watching with us.  Barcelona's two most intriguing players Mephis and Griezmann.... wait... Griezmann is accross town with Suarez.  Pique is still there though and DeJong is a star right?  Ansu Fati looks like he has a bright future, but hasn't hit his stride just yet.  Dembele should be in Newcastle soon or somewhere similar as Barcelona might not give the often-hurt winger a new contract.

Real Madrid has some continuity though.  Marcelo, Benzema, Kroos, Modric, Isco, Bale, Cortious , Casemiro, Carvahal, and more are still there.  In fact Ronaldo feels like the only major loss on offense.  The defense lost both of it's central defenders.  Varane is in Manchester, but his form hasn't been much to write home to Madrid about.  Mardid replaced him with an equal or maybe even better central defender in Alaba.  Ramos is enjoying Paris.

Sergio Ramos PSG
Sergio Ramos signs to PSG

There you have it. The scene is set.  Memphis vs. Benzema.  Its not the same as Ronaldo and Messi, but it's still El Classico.  Is it the same for you?  Let us know.


Share this post
Comments

Be the first to know

Join our community and get notified about upcoming stories

Subscribing...
You've been subscribed!
Something went wrong
NFL roundup: Falcons upset 49ers; Vikings continue perfect start

NFL roundup: Falcons upset 49ers; Vikings continue perfect start

The Atlanta Falcons caused an upset over the undefeated San Francisco 49ers, while the Minnesota Vikings continued their perfect start on a busy NFL Sunday. Atlanta Falcons 29-20 San Francisco 49ers The San Francisco 49ers (6-1) came into Week 7 unbeaten, and while they were just 2-0 away from home, there was optimism that this team could keep their streak going against an Atlanta Falcons (3-4) team that have yet to be consistent in 2026. After scores in both the first and second quarter, San


O A

NBA roundup: Luka posts 52 points; Knicks remain winless

NBA roundup: Luka posts 52 points; Knicks remain winless

Luka Doncic scored a monster 52 points as the Los Angeles Lakers maintained their perfect start to life after LeBron James with a 132-123 defeat of the Utah Jazz. Now the undisputed superstar of the Lakers since James departed this summer for Philadelphia, Doncic also provided 10 assists and eight rebounds in a masterful performance, with eight three-pointers and two steals. Doncic was supported by Austin Reaves, who had 29 points, as the visitors pulled decisively clear in the last four minut


O A

Hamilton tops times in final practice for US Grand Prix

Hamilton tops times in final practice for US Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton topped the times for Ferrari ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen, with Mercedes' championship leader Kimi Antonelli fourth in Saturday's third and final free practice ahead of the United States Grand Prix. The 41-year-old seven-time champion clocked a best time of one minute and 34.893 seconds to outpace his old rival, four-time champion Verstappen, by 0.168 seconds at the Circuit of the Americas. Hamilton's Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc was third after having several laps del


O A

NBA roundup: 76ers make history with incredible comeback against Cleveland, SGA wins battle of the MVP's

NBA roundup: 76ers make history with incredible comeback against Cleveland, SGA wins battle of the MVP's

The Philadelphia 76ers erased a 29-point deficit to stun the Cleveland Cavaliers 114-106 on Thursday in NBA superstar LeBron James's first home game since landing in Philly as a free agent. Philadelphia 76ers 114-106 Cleveland Cavaliers Tyrese Maxey scored 32 points and Joel Embiid added 24 -- including a jump shot with 6:54 left to play that gave the Sixers their first lead of the night, one they wouldn't relinquish. Cameroon 🇨🇲, stand up!! Joel Embiid had 24 points and 7 rebounds as Phil


O A