Things that Barcelona and Real Madrid share in common

There is indeed an intense rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid such that it’s even hard to notice that the two share the following things in common:

They each have five players in the MLB jerseys Spanish national team. For Barcelona they include Carles Puyol, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets and Gerard Pique. Representing Real Madrid are Iker Casillas, Raul Albiol, Xabi Alonso, Alvaro Arbeloa and Sergio Ramos.

Luis Figo and Brazilian striker Ronaldo have not only played for both clubs but also won the world player of the year award.

Their tally of wins in the UEFA champions league has made Spain the leading country in Europe’s most cherished silver ware.

Both have lost thrice in a UEFA champions league final. 1962, 1964 and 1981 affecting Real Madrid while 1961, 1986 and 1994 upsetting Barcelona.

Since the founding of the Spanish La liga, they have never been relegated and together they have the highest number of silver wares combined, more than any two teams worldwide.

Both have never defeated Benfica in a champions league final. Barcelona lost to the Portuguese team in 1961 whereas Real Madrid experienced the same, a year later.