As El Clasico approaches, Gareth Bale and Neymar will both be hoping to add their names to an illustrious list of debutants who’ve hit the back of the net in their first Barcelona vs. Real Madrid match.
It always helps to score goals on big occasions to acquaint yourself with the fans, but scoring a goal in this game will help you reach legendary status very quickly.
(MORE: Gareth Bale vs. Neymar - New boys highlight El Clasico between Real Madrid, Barcelona)
Some big players have delivered in their first El Clasico match up... hopefully Bale and Neymar can follow in their footsteps with tremendous displays this evening.
Let’s take a quick trip back in El Clasico history. Vamos.
Ruud van Nistlerooy - Real Madrid 2-0 Barcelona, October 22, 2006
A fantastic counter-attacking move saw legendary striker van Nistelrooy ingratiate himself with Madrid fans as he scored in their win over Barca following his move from Manchester United. A superb sweeping counter-attacking move from Madrid saw Brazilian winger clip in a perfect ball for Ruud to attack, and the clinical finisher tapped home with his left foot just before being clattered by Victor Valdes. But van Nistlerooy was fine, as he dusted himself off and wheeled away to celebrate with his new fans. Magic.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic - Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid, November 19, 2009
After being on the pitch for barely five minutes, new signing from Inter Milan Ibrahimovic popped up at the back post to smash home Dani Alves’ searching cross with his right foot. The Swedish international, who wouldn’t stay at the Nou Camp for long after falling out with pretty much everyone at the club following his monster move, ran towards the bench and screamed aloud as he instantly became a hit with the Barca fans. Not sure we can say that today, though.
Raphael Verane - Real Madrid 1-1 Barcelona, January 30, 2013
Last season Madrid’s brightest young defender marked his first appearance in El Clasico with a flicked header to grab Madrid a point at the Santiago Bernabeu. The French teenager was given a huge change to shine in La Liga by Jose Mourinho, and the composed defender looked at ease in his El Clasico debut. He went from clearing one of the line in the second half, to equalizing in the 81st minute to grab a point.