Barcelona defender Thomas Vermaelen says the Clasico fixture is the biggest game in the world.
The Belgium international, who signed from the club two years ago, is preparing for this weekend’s fixture against fierce rivals Real as Los Cules look to extend their lead at the top of the table.
The former Arsenal man is experienced at the top level having played in many north London derbies for the Gunners against Spurs.
But speaking to the Barcelona website, he said only the Super Bowl could come close to the Clasico in terms of worldwide audience.
“Tottenham against Arsenal is a massive rivalry because they’re both in North London but, I heard that the Barcelona against Real Madrid in El Clásico is the most viewed or most watched single sport event in the world, close to the Super Bowl, so there are a lot of people who watch this game, so it is bigger. You can compare other derbies but this is bigger,” the defender said.
With Barcelona 10 points clear of Los Blancos and looking to extend that to 13 points at the weekend, Vermaelen admitted his side were in a good position in La Liga as well as the Champions League and Copa del Rey.
“You have to take it day by day and game by game and see how far we are ahead, but we can’t deny we’re in a very good position in the league, we’re in the final of the Copa and we’re still in the Champions League so, yes, I said, we’re in a good position,” he commented.
