Real Madrid v FC Barcelona in the Cup. Did you know...

This Wednesday’s meeting 9:00 PM (CET) has thrown up a number of curiosities that were review here:

-The first Clásico ever was played right at the start of the century in what was called the Copa Coronación, the first ever national championship of any kind, held in 1902. Barça beat the recently formed Madrid FC (the ‘Real’ prefix would not be added until later) in the semi final of the five-team competition staged in the capital to celebrate the coronation of Alfonso XIII.

-This will be the seventh time that the clubs have met in the semi finals. The balance is set to tip one way or the other, for to date, each side has qualified for the final three times after meeting their biggest rivals in the last four.

-The record is also level regarding final appearances, with three wins from the six meetings so far.

-Overall, the clubs have met 31 times. FCB have won 15 times, Madrid ten, and there have been 6 draws.

-They also met in last season’s edition, but in the quarter finals. Barça went through after winning 2-1 at the Bernabéu and then drawing 2-2 at the Camp Nou.

-The goalscoring record in these matches is also very tight. Barça have a very slight lead with 63 goals compared to Madrid’s 59.

-The tournament has changed names several times over the years. What was originally called the Copa Coronación would then become the Copa de Alfons XIII, and at another time the Copa Príncipe (‘Prince’s Cup’). Eight of the Barça v Madrid matches were played under the dictatorship, when it was named the Copa del Generalísimo, and since Franco’s death the tournament has been known by its present name of the Copa del Rey (‘King’s Cup’), in which time the rival clubs have crossed paths six times.

-At the Santiago Bernabéu, Barça have lost three times, won four and drawn one.

-At the Camp Nou they also have a positive record, with seven wins, two draws and just two losses.