(CNN) It is a rivalry like no other, a match which permeates beyond the white lines of the football pitch. It's a complex cocktail of sport and politics. It's the biggest game on earth. On Saturday, millions will watch arch enemies Real Madrid and Barcelona -- two of the most successful clubs in history, boasting two of the world's greatest players -- battle it out in the 236th edition of the game dubbed El Clasico. Trailing their great rivals by 11 points in the league, Real -- who last week won the Club World Cup -- cannot afford to slip up at home if they are to retain hopes of winning the Spanish league title.Real host Barcelona on 23 DecemberBarca are 11 points ahead of Real in La LigaBarca have won five of last 10 matches
I live El Clasicos as if they were finals, regardless of the position _ is in the table. I don't believe it's using adjectives for the sake of it, _ is like theater, it's like opera, the grand themes are all there. I have a sneaky suspicion that Real will win this, and I've a sneaky suspicion that _ are legitimate candidates to become champions again.