Iconic “Clásico” will be played on Indian soil!
New Delhi, Apr 5 (EFE).—
Soccer fans across India are brimming with excitement as Real Madrid and Barcelona legends prepare to face off near Mumbai, marking the first time the iconic Clásico will be played on Indian soil.
The star-studded legends from the rival clubs will clash in the Indian city of Mumbai on Sunday for the first-ever Clásico on Indian soil.
The event has stirred deep excitement among local soccer fans, who will finally witness their heroes in action, including Luis Figo, Carles Puyol, and Fernando Morientes.
“We are extremely excited. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Jitesh Shahani, president of the Bombay Madridista Supporters Club, in an interview with EFE. He is among the thousands of fans expected to attend the highly anticipated match.
The Legends Classic will kick off at 7 pm at the DY Patil Stadium, which seats 45,000 spectators, in Navy Mumbai, the satellite town of India’s financial and entertainment capital.
Representing Barcelona will be world champions Carles Puyol (serving as captain) and Xavi Hernández, alongside other club greats such as Rivaldo, Patrick Kluivert, and Javier Saviola.
Leading Real Madrid will be Luis Figo, himself a former Barcelona star, donning the captain’s armband. He will be joined by the likes of Morientes, Pepe, and Michael Owen, among other celebrated names.
Shahani is especially thrilled about Morientes, whom he considers a key figure in Real Madrid’s Champions League victories in 1998, 2000, and 2002.
He sees the match as a rare opportunity for young fans to experience their idols in person.
“It’s very important, especially for young people, I think they are very lucky,” said Shahani, noting that the geographical distance from Spain makes it difficult for Indian fans to travel and support their teams in Europe.
Barcelona will also be supported in the stands by the Barça Kerala Penya, the club’s only officially recognized supporters group in India, which has around 300 members.
“We are very excited. We have traveled more than 1,000 km to be here,” said Dan George, one of the Barça Kerala Penya members, adding he was eager to see his team play in India.
While this is Real Madrid Legends’ first appearance in the country, Barcelona Legends previously played in India in 2018, when they defeated the veteran squad of Indian club Mohun Bagan 6-0.
Saviola, who scored in that match, will return to the pitch for Barcelona this time too. George said he was thrilled to have met the former striker during a fan event the day before the match.
Though fans on both sides agree that the event will be full of camaraderie and celebration, their score predictions reveal fierce loyalties.
George predicts a modest 3-1 win for Barcelona, while Shahani envisions a goal-fest: a 7-4 victory for Real Madrid. EFE hbc-sk
