el-clasico

They don’t call it “El Clásico” for nothing. The political and societal differences between the nationalist, conservative-minded madridistas and separatist, liberal Catalans have elevated the twice-annual matches between Real Madrid and Barcelona beyond strictly footballing terms.

But almost always, the matches play a decisive role in La Liga title race. It was Barca who won the last contest in May, steamrolling Madrid 6-2. And though the next on-field encounter won’t transpire for a matter of months, it’s Madrid who’s been dominating the battle at this stage, as it plays out in the boardroom.

First it was Real’s ostentatious recruitment of Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo. Soon after, it was forward Karim Benzema, the current jewel in France’s fading footballing crown, who at one point seemed destined to follow in the footsteps of fellow Frenchman Thierry Henry and don the shirt of the blaugrana.

SOCCER -SPAIN/

Surely Barca had to make its own big move—Madrid forced their hand. And so, after being rebuffed for Spanish international striker David Villa, they set their sights on Italian Serie A Player of Year and now ex-Inter Milan striker, Sweden’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic for an astronomical cost of Cameroonian striker Samuel Eto’o, 45 million euros, and Alex Hleb on a year-long loan.

“I am convinced that the best thing for Barca is for Eto’o to leave,” claimed Barca’s manager, as Barca rolled out the PR supporting move. And yes Eto’o's salary demands were big and Zlatan wanted out of Italy, but regardless, that’s a straight swap (barring any contractual stipulations) for strikers of the same age.

Barca, after destroying Manchester United to claim the Champions League crown, just didn’t think it was in a good enough position for next season. Setting the record for the number of goals in a season last year wasn’t enough. Winning both the Spanish cup and league wasn’t good enough. Eto’o's consistent runs at the Pichichi weren’t enough. So, Barca went out and got a player famous for temper tantrums with a knack for disappearing in big games, while shedding an equally hotheaded striker with two goals in two CL finals that have resulted in two CL crowns. Two steps back, indeed.

Sure, Ibra will be a success in Spain, towering over timid Spanish defenders. And in Milan, Eto’o will run sluggish Italian defenses ragged. Individually, they’ll both thrive but their teams’ fortunes will certainly change—and for Barca, the only way from such lofty heights is down.

Barca wants to believe this will prove to be a masterstroke similar to when they shipped out another expensive primadonna to Milan in Ronaldinho. But Barca’s only triumph comes in the fact that Eto’o at least won’t be in Madrid.