SUMMARY
This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.
Managing both sides this weekend will be two ElClasico legends in their own right.
With 30 ElClasico appearances as players and coaches in LaLiga alone, both Ronald Koeman and Zinedine Zidane know exactly what it means and what is required to play and win the biggest match in club football.
Despite their pedigree, however, Saturday’s game will be the first time they face off directly in ElClasico.
Ronald Koeman
Koeman joined Barcelona in 1989, winning the Copa del Rey in his first season by beating Real Madrid in the final.
And perhaps his best LaLiga goal came in 1994 – a long-range free kick in a 5-0 win over Real Madrid at the Camp Nou.
The Dutchman scored 5 goals in 11 ElClasico matches in LaLiga, demonstrating the kind of goalscoring ability, which saw him end his career as the top-scoring defender in the history of world football.
He amassed a total of 88 goals for Barcelona to continue being the Blaugrana’s all-time top-scoring defender.
He was LaLiga’s all-time top scoring defender until Sergio Ramos beat his record last season.
Zinedine Zidane
Zidane played Barcelona 7 times as a player in LaLiga, holding a 2-3-2 record in the fixture.
He scored in a 4-2 win over a Barca side featuring the likes of Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto’o in 2004.
His best moment against the Catalans came in the Champions League. Zidane scored with a seemingly effortless chip in the semifinal 1st leg at Camp Nou to put his side on course to reach the final.
As a coach, he’s brought even more success to the club than Real Madrid fans could have ever dreamt of, including two LaLiga Santander titles (2017, 2020) and 3 consecutive Champions League appearances (2016-18).
It could easily be argued he’s already the most successful coach in Real Madrid history.
Zidane has already led the club to 11 major trophies, second only to Miguel Muñoz who took almost 3 times as many games to win 14. – Rappler.com
Watch ElClasico live this Saturday, October 24 at 10 pm on beIN Sports channels (Sky and Cignal) and on beIN Sports Connect platform.
Add a comment
How does this make you feel?
There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.