LaLiga, Spain’s top division football league, is set to host a special match screening of one of the most anticipated matches of 2017 – El Clasico. The greatest club rivalry in the world will once again be on display on December 23, when Real Madrid C.F. hosts FC Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabéu. Fans in India have a golden opportunity to watch and experience the marquee clash in the presence of former FC Barcelona star and Italian football legend, Gianluca Zambrotta.
El Clasico Live Screening in New Delhi: Real Madrid vs FC Barcelona
The upcoming El Clasico will have some of the game’s most prolific players on display, including the likes of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Luis Suarez, among others. The rivalry between two of world football’s giants is legendary, and every clash between them is watched by millions around the world.
Keeping in mind the time preferences of Indian audiences, LaLiga, for the first time ever, has scheduled El Clasico at a prime time slot of 5.30 pm IST. The live screening of the match will take place at NSIC Grounds in Okhla, New Delhi on December 23, 2017.
Commenting on the announcement, LaLiga India Country Manager Jose Cachaza said “It is our pleasure to host a live screening of the 237th El Clasico for football fans in the capital. Both Real Madrid and Barcelona, along with the other LaLiga clubs, have huge fan bases in India and we are excited to offer them the LaLiga experience in a stadium-like atmosphere. El Clasico is the pageantry of football’s biggest rivalry and we want fans in India to have a viewing experience that they can cherish all their lives.”
On joining fans at the El Clasico screening, Gianluca Zambrotta said, “India has some of the most passionate fans I have ever seen. I’m excited about joining them to watch the clash in one of my favourite cities, New Delhi. I expect 90 minutes of high intensity football, considering both teams will do their best to enforce their supremacy”
Football aficionados can register at http://elclasicodelhi.laliga.es/ to experience the extravaganza with fellow fans. The evening will feature giant screens, food and beverage stalls as well as fan engagement activities. The NSIC Grounds can accommodate more than 15,000 people and entry to the event is free.
The proceedings have been organised hand in hand with Sony Pictures Networks India, LaLiga’s official broadcaster in the country. The match will be telecast live on SONY TEN 1 and SONY TEN 2 channels.
Sharing his view on the screening, Mr. Rajesh Kaul, President, Sports and Distribution Business, Sony Pictures Networks India said “It is a known fact that Real Madrid and Barcelona are the two most followed football clubs in the world and El Clasico is a global phenomenon. Given the growing interest of football in India we are giving our audience, an unmatched viewing experience with the live telecast of El Clasico at primetime. The live screening of the game also gives fans an opportunity to experience this highly-anticipated game with their friends and family and cheer on for their favorite team.”
The two teams have met on 236 occasions before this, with Real Madrid holding a slight advantage over their rivals. While Real Madrid has won 95 matches, Barcelona has emerged triumphant 92 times, with the spoils being shared on 49 occasions. This season, Barcelona hold the upper hand being on top of the LaLiga table. A win for Real Madrid is crucial to close the gap on their rivals.
Tags: El Clasico, FC Barcelona, Gianluca Zambrotta, LaLiga, Live Screening, New Delhi, Real Madrid, Spain
