Real Madrid and Barcelona lose right to market games as 'El Clásico'

Barcelona and Real Madrid banned from using the term for their matches

Arguably the greatest rivalry in European football between Barcelona and Real Madrid will no longer be termed 'El Clasico'. According to reports, the Spanish giants have been denied the right to trademark the term. This means that from the next season on, these teams cannot market this rivalry as 'El Clasico'.

Both clubs have been banned from using the name to market their matches or to stoke rivalry by the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office. According to the governing body, this term was too similar to LaLiga's branding as 'ElClásico'. This term has already been patented by the Spanish league. The decision came out after Real Madrid requested to patent the term.

Barcelona and Real Madrid have been given a month to appeal against the decision. But in the current scenario, these two teams should cease using 'El Clasico' in their marketing. 'El Clasico' is a popular term in football. These clubs are likely to appeal.

In football, the local derbies and matches between big teams are sometimes branded with a term. This is done everywhere in the world, and 'El Clasico' had a high reach worldwide. Now things will be different when these teams come out to promote their matches.

'El Clasico' in stats

'EL Clasico' has always been one of the most anticipated matches of the season. Both teams have played 253 matches against each other. Real Madrid edges their rivals just by one win. Los Blancos have won 101 matches, and Barcelona have won 100. The remaining 52 matches have ended in a draw. Scoring goals has also been a tradition in such a tight game.

Barcelona have registered 415 goals, and Real Madrid have scored 420. Lionel Messi is the all-time highest goal scorer in 'El Clasico'. He has scored 28 goals in total against Real Madrid. Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 18 goals against Barcelona and is the leading goal scorer for Real Madrid in this fixture alongside another legend, Alfredo Di Stéfano.