FCBARCELONA.CAT

26.11.2009 11:15

Puyol’s clásico experience

David Puig

Carles Puyol has played in more games against Real Madrid than any other play in the current Barça squad having appeared in no less than 20 clásicos during his career.

The Blaugrana captain will bring all his experience and knowledge on Sunday for the first of this season's encounter with Los Merengues. Puyol will be hoping to even up his statistics in the matches as he has currently won six times, drawn seven and lost seven against Madrid in 19 league matches and one Champions League appearance.

Debut date

The first clásico that the defender played in was on October 13, 1999 in Camp Nou when coach Louis van Gaal oversaw a 2-2 draw against John Toshack's visitors. Puyol began the game on the bench but replaced Sergi after 37 minutes. Luis Figo and Rivaldo put Barça ahead before Raúl scoerd a brace to earn Madrid a share of the spoils.

Figo returns

One of the clásicos that Puyol will never forget came on October 21, 2000 when Figo made his first return to Camp Nou in a Real Madrid shirt and the home supporters gave him an incredible reception. The feeling of bitterness towards the Portuguese was evident and it fell to Puyol to ensure that he did not play well and the full-back, on that night, did just that. Luis Enrique and Simao both scored to give Barça a 2-0 win.

Rare victory

One of the worst experiences for Puyol came when Real Madrid ended their 20-year winless run in Camp Nou on December 6, 2003 as Roberto Carlos and Ronaldo both netted to give the visitors a 1-2 win. Barça went on to win in the Santiago Bernabéu later that same season.

Best home win

On November 20, 2004 the Catalan outfit recorded one of their best wins against Madrid this decade as Puyol helped the team to a 3-0 win. Samuel Eto'o, Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Ronaldinho all scored to give the home team victory.