The mention of El Clasico, the fierce clash between Spain’s two top dogs Barcelona and Real Madrid, will always drag the Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo into the conversation, being two of the most influential figures in the always entertaining encounter.
La Pulga is the (undisputed) highest scorer in El Clasico history in all competitions with 21 goals, tied with Alfredo Di Stefano in La Liga run-ins only (14 goals), whilst Ronnie has the record for scoring in the most number of consecutive clashes with the Blaugrana at 6, netting 7 times.
However, this season has seen a new challenger emerge in the constant battle to usurp Leo and Cristiano from the Spanish Primera Division throne: Luis Suarez.
The Uruguayan hitman’s goalscoring exploits this season has propelled him to the top of world football, though he trails Ronaldo in the Liga BBVA goalscoring charts with 26 goals to the Real Madrid ace’s 28.
The former Liverpool ace made his Blaugrana debut, which was also his first ever start for Luis Enrique’s men, at the Bernabeu and needed only four minutes to leave his mark, assisting Neymar for the opening goal in the 3-1 loss.
Since then, Suarez has led Barca to two consecutive wins against Los Blancos, scoring three times including a brace in this season’s 4-0 win. Messi, on the other hand, has gone three games without netting against Les Merengues.
However, despite several teams falling victim to Luis Suarez, he won’t be the only non-Messi and Cristiano player vying to dominate, as Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema remains in the mix.
The Frenchman holds the record for the fastest goal in El Clasico, scoring past Victor Valdes in 2011 after only 22 seconds – yes, seconds – of play.
Watch: The fastest goal in El Clasico history
In addition, although the 28-year-old trails Cristiano, Suarez and even Messi in the goalscoring charts, his tally of 20 strikes in 21 games is very impressive.
The French international, though, will be driven by another purpose in Saturday’s game, and that is convincing Didier Deschamps that his form in front of goal is priceless and indispensable, with his spot with Les Blues in the upcoming Euro 2016 in danger.
Benzema is currently embroiled in legal trouble over the alleged Mathieu Valbuena sex tap blackmail, with rumors Karim may be left out of the national side for the tournament being held in France as a result.
If you are tired of Messi and Cristiano, don't be disappointed. Expect a driven Luis Suarez and Karim Benzema to shine.
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