Barcelona, Real Madrid legends hope exhibition El Clasico in Mumbai would aid football’s growth India- The Week

Fernando Morientes turned 49 on Friday. The former Real Madrid forward, to the surprise of many Madridistas, will be celebrating it in the company of Patrick Kluivert and Javier Saviola — his contemporary strikers for archrivals Barcelona. But there is more. The former Spanish international will not be cutting the birthday cake this year in some exotic holiday destination in Europe or the Caribbean. He is in Mumbai…

Morientes, a three-time UEFA Champions League winner with Madrid and Kluivert, who won the 1998–99 La Liga with Barca, are in the Maximum City because the two giants of Spanish football have sent a contingent of their respective legends to refresh their rivalry before the Indian fans. The ‘Legends Faceoff’, organized by The Sports Front, will take place on April 6, Sunday at Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium.

‘Barcelona Legends’ are led by their former lion-hearted defender Carlos Puyol, while ‘Real Madrid Leyandas’ are led by Ballon d’Or winner Luis Figo. The two skippers arrived at the Fairmont Mumbai hotel together, cheered on by jovial fans of their respective sides. However, the media interaction was arranged ahead of their arrival and attended by Saviola and Morientes in the company of Portugal and Real legend Pepe and former Brazil international Edmilson, who put on his boots 71 times for the Catalans.

Also present were the organisers John Zaidi, CEO & Co-Founder of The Sports Front, Ankur Kumar, Chief Marketing Officer, The Sports Front and Anirudh Poddar.

Morientes said that he was optimistic that the ‘Legends Faceoff’ would offer Indian football fans to enjoy the famous El Clasico rivalry. “Whenever Real Madrid faces Barcelona, there’s always competitiveness. Football is fundamentally about teamwork, dedication, and sacrifice. I’d also like to express my gratitude to the organizers and hope that the fans in India enjoy the experience.”

Pepe also mentioned the Indian football lovers and hoped the contest could contribute to the growth of the game in the country. “India’s football passion is exploding, and we feel honoured to be part of this journey. This match is very important and I hope it increases football’s popularity in India, helps bring in more investments and thereby aids the game’s growth here.” When asked whether Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi was the tougher opponent for him, the 42-year-old backed his compatriot to be a notch above the Barca legend.  

El Clasico ‘Legends Faceoff’:

• Date: April 6, 2025

• Venue: DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai

• Tickets available on: District App

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