F or the best part of a decade, el clásico was more than just soccer’s biggest fixture. It was the defining narrative. At the peak of the Lionel Messi v Cristiano Ronaldo era, there were clásicos everywhere. Yes, when the two historic rivals clashed on the pitch, but also in the voting for the Ballon d’Or every year and in so much of the discourse around the sport.

As the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry faded, though, so too did the clásico ’s relevance. This isn’t to say matches between Barcelona and Real Madrid no longer matter. They always have and always will. In 2026, however, it’s difficult to measure a clásico ’s standing. Is it still the sport’s biggest fixture?

Sunday’s match at Camp Nou will be watched by hundreds of millions of viewers all over the world. A clásico always carries significance, but this weekend’s edition will be especially significant. A Barça win would move them nine points clear of their rivals at the top of La Liga .…