In 2020, as the world faced unprecedented challenges, fútbol found a way to carry on. Here's how the year unfolded for El Clásico, Real Madrid, and FC Barcelona.
2020 was unlike any other year 2020 was unlike any other year in world football. The COVID-19 pandemic brought stadiums to a standstill, travel halted, and fans were kept out of their beloved arenas. Yet amidst all this, the rivalry between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona never lost its fire.
⚽ In March, just before lockdowns swept Europe, Real Madrid secured a massive 2–0 Clásico victory at the Santiago Bernabéu. Vinícius Jr. scored his first ever Clásico goal — a moment that symbolized the new era taking shape in Madrid.
🦠 Then came the shutdown. From March to June, La Liga paused entirely. No matches, no fans, no travel — a surreal silence across Spain’s football temples.
🔁 When play resumed in June, Real Madrid emerged as the most consistent side. Under Zidane, they won 10 straight matches to clinch the La Liga title over Barcelona — finishing with 87 points. Karim Benzema led the charge with clutch goals, while Thibaut Courtois won the Zamora Trophy as best goalkeeper.
🔄 For Barcelona, 2020 was a year of chaos: coaching changes, boardroom drama, and the infamous 8–2 loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarterfinal. That result led to the sacking of Quique Setién and, eventually, the departure of club president Josep Maria Bartomeu.
💔 Most shockingly, Lionel Messi tried to leave the club — sending a burofax requesting his exit. Though he stayed one more year, the message was clear: the golden era at Barça was crumbling.
For El Clásico fans, 2020 was a reminder that the rivalry runs deeper than fans in the stands — it’s about identity, drama, resilience, and pride. Even without a roaring crowd, the tension between Madrid and Barcelona still reached around the world.