Win the domestic double or lift the Champions League?

Matt Morley 5 years ago 2.6k
There is no simple answer. AFP

With Sunday's El Clasico odminating the deadlines, plenty of Spanish media outlets are beginning to ask the question: Is it better to win the domestic double or lift the Champions League?

Barcelona go into Sunday's showpiece match with the La Liga title and the Copa del Rey already locked away in their trophy cabinet, but their achievement has been somewhat overshadowed by arch-rivals Real Madrid after they made it to their fourht Champions League final in five years.

 

Public opinion over the debate is largely swayed by whether you are a 'Cule' or a 'Blanco', with fans so passionate about their clubs that they would likely switch opinions completely if the shoe were on the other foot.

On the face of it, the Champions League title is the most impressive trophy of all at club level. It is very much a best of the best, featuring the crème de la crème of European football. However, it is a trophy that can be won in just 13 games, compared to the 38-games slog that is La Liga. 

Of their 12 games so far this season in the Champions League, Real Madrid have failed to win four (D2, L2), though that is arguably mitigated by their difficult run to the final (PSG, Juventus, Bayern Munich).

However, claiming the league title and the cup with it is not something that happens all too often in Spain. In their history, Real Madrid have won just four doubles compared to Barcelona's eight, whilst it is almost 30 years since 'Los Blancos' claimed won both La Liga and the Copa del Rey, something their arch rivals have done four times in their last eight attempts.

Which feat is more impressive?

Both Zinedine Zidane and Ernesto Valverde have gone on record stating their belief that it is more difficult to win La Liga than it is to win the Champions League, something that Sergio Ramos certain agrees with. "The Champions League is worth at least the same as the double, if not a little more," he insists.

Partick Kluivert won both during his career, claiming the double with Barca and the Champions League with Ajax and he agrees that "winning the double is good, but the Champions League is better".

Put simply, there is unlikely to ever be complete agreement on which feat is more impressive, but it is certainly a good talking point ahead of El Clásico.

Mentioned in the news story

Barcelona
Real Madrid