STAR Sports and ESPN HD to Showcase First Ever Prime-time Live Screening of the El Clasico in India

NEW DELHI, March 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

STAR Sports and ESPN HD will broadcast the first ever prime-time live broadcast of the highly-anticipated 'El Clasico' between La Liga rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona at 8:30 pm this Saturday, March 2.

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Traditionally telecast in the wee-hours of the morning, this weekend's El Clasico is specifically scheduled during prime-time hours, aimed at targeting La Liga fans in Asia.

La Liga fans can look forward to a 30 min studio preview hosted by Andy Penders, with former Liverpool midfielder and England International Steve McMahon and resident Spanish football expert Antonio Codinach providing analysis and insights before the match. Former Real Mallorca and Tottenham Hotspur striker Gerry Armstrong will be providing live commentary for the match.

With Barcelona and Real Madrid ranked the second and third most popular football clubs in the world, this nail-biting affair is certain to draw a robust global audience of hundreds of millions as arguably one of the biggest football rivalries in history.

This weekend's El Clasico marks the 165th time the title contenders Barcelona and Real Madrid face each other.

• The pair first met in 1929, where Real Madrid beat Barcelona 2-1 and ever since Real Madrid has narrowly taken the upper hand with 50 victories over Barcelona's 47.
• Saturday night's matchup will arguably contain the most talented footballers in the world, including FIFA Ballon d'Or winners Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, coupled with the majority of Spain's FIFA World Cup winners.
• The pair finished with a closely fought 2-2 draw earlier in October this season. Real Madrid, the current La Liga Champions, will be looking to make a last bid on the title race after falling to third place behind Atletico Madrid.

Incredibly this is the second Clasico this week after Real Madrid beat Barca 3-1 at Camp Nou in the 2nd leg of the Copa del Rey to secure their path to the final. 

Primary Media Contact: Sameer Bajaj, sameerb@espnstar.co.in, 91-9811222700

Secondary Media Contact: Supriya Gupta, supriyaG@espnstar.co.in, 91-9899552515