Legends Clasico Ends All Square in LA as Saviola and Barral Share the Spoils
Barça and Real Madrid legends played out a 1-1 draw at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles — the first-ever Clasico de Leyendas on US soil.
The Clasico de Leyendas made its American debut in Los Angeles, and it did not disappoint — a proper bit of nostalgia at BMO Stadium that ended 1-1, with Javier Saviola and Barral doing the honours in front of what was clearly a buzzing crowd.
Early doors magic from Ronaldinho
If you needed a reminder of just how special Ronaldinho was, you got it inside four minutes. The Brazilian threaded a ball through for Jonathan Soriano, who teed up Saviola, and the little Argentine slotted past Contreras to make it 1-0. Four minutes gone. Unreal.
Barça Legends had the better of the first half overall — Ronaldinho pulling the strings as only he can, Saviola pressing and causing problems. Real Madrid Leyendas weren’t exactly hiding though, and José Callejón — who came on early after Savio picked up a knock — gave them some proper width and threat down the flanks.
Half-time with a grumble from Ronaldinho
The half ended 1-0, though not without a bit of drama. Ronaldinho was none too pleased about a foul on the edge of the box that the ref waved away, and honestly, you can see why he’d be annoyed — that sort of delivery from him in his prime would’ve been a cert for a dangerous free kick.
Madrid level it up after the break
The second half kept the tempo going, with Nolito adding a bit of spark for Barça. But it was Madrid who got level — Barral finding a bit of space and sliding it past Masip (who’d come on for Angoy in goal) to make it 1-1 on 52 minutes.
From there, both benches emptied with the usual carousel of subs, and there were chances:
- Montoya had a really clear opportunity to nick it for Madrid
- Ronaldinho had the last meaningful chance of the game for Barça
Neither could find the winner, and the match finished level.
A historic occasion
This was the tenth Clasico de Leyendas overall, and the first one ever played on American soil — which is a proper milestone, innit. The States is absolutely gagging for this sort of content, and if the reaction to this one is anything to go by, it won’t be the last time these two sets of legends rock up Stateside.
A draw feels fair on the balance of it. Barça edged the first half, Madrid responded after the break, and the whole thing was a lovely bit of football theatre — exactly what it’s supposed to be.