Football

Barcelona's El Clasico Triumph Resonates Globally, Including in IndiaBarcelona's emphatic 4-0 victory over Real Madrid in the El Clasico showdown on Saturday reverberated across the globe, capturing the attention of football enthusiasts worldwide. The match, a highly anticipated clash between two of the most iconic clubs in the sport, generated immense buzz and discussion, even in countries far removed from the European football scene.In India, the El Clasico match became a topic of conversation at the highest levels of government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a roadshow in Gujarat's Vadodara with his Spanish counterpart Pedro Sanchez, highlighted the intense passion with which the match was followed in India."Spanish football is liked a lot in India. Yesterday, the match between Real Madrid and Barcelona, and the discussions were held in India, too. Barcelona's brilliant win was a subject of discussion here as well. I can also tell you that there was as much banter between the fans of the two clubs in India, as it would've been in Spain," PM Modi said.PM Modi's remarks underscore the global reach of the El Clasico rivalry and the deep-rooted passion for football in India. The match, which is often billed as the biggest club match in the world, attracts a massive audience and generates intense emotions among fans.The El Clasico victory also has significant implications for Barcelona's title hopes in La Liga. The win puts them eight points clear of Real Madrid at the top of the table, strengthening their position as favorites to reclaim the league title.

Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez believes that a victory in the upcoming El Clasico is crucial for his team's hopes of challenging Real Madrid for the La Liga title. The Catalan giants trail their arch-rivals by eight points with just seven games remaining in the season.Real Madrid have been in impressive form this season, winning 24 of their 31 league matches and reaching the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League. Barcelona, on the other hand, have struggled to keep pace, losing their second leg clash against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-finals.Xavi is aware of the importance of the El Clasico and knows that a win would give his team a much-needed boost in their title bid. "We have to win the Clasico," Xavi said. "It's the only way we can stay in the title race."Real Madrid will be looking to extend their winning streak to five matches in La Liga when they host Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu. The hosts have not lost in their last 16 league games and will be confident of maintaining their dominance over their rivals.Barcelona, however, have a strong record at the Bernabeu, having won 17 of their last 38 meetings there. They will also be buoyed by the return of Robert Lewandowski, who has scored 13 goals in La Liga this season.The El Clasico is one of the most eagerly anticipated matches in world football and is sure to be a thrilling encounter. Barcelona will be desperate to win to keep their title hopes alive, while Real Madrid will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the table.