While the Cristiano Ronaldos and Lionel Messis usually get all the hype leading up to El Clasico, often it is the defense and defenders that make the difference between victory and defeat. To whet your appetite ahead of Saturdays mega-game, we run down the list of the greatest ever Clasico defenders of the last 35 years or so. 

Fabio Cannavaro

This former Ballon d’Or winner (2006) played three seasons at Real Madrid but left a mark, winning two La Liga’s and a Supercopa. He was named as a member of the “Best foreign eleven in Real Madrid history.”

Miguel Angel Nadal:

The uncle of tennis great Rafa Nada, Miguel Angel was a defensive staple of Johan Cruyff’s “Dream Team” as he brought a physicality that the Cules needed to go along with all that talent. They didn’t call him the “Beast” for nothing.

Sergio Ramos:

After starting his career with Sevilla, Ramos moved to Real Madrid and has become among its best ever defenders being named captain and scoring the all-important tying goal that eventually would lead to “La Decima.” He scored the winner in the 2012/2013 El Clasico.

Gerard Pique

Although Pique can be as frustrating to Barça fans as he is beloved, there is no question that with him as part of the back line, the team has risen to unfathomable heights. He is only one of two defenders to be part of both of the club’s trebles and bring offensive potency to set pieces as well. Remember that beauty he scored in Barça’s 2-6 drubbing of Madrid at the Bernabeau in 2009.

Roberto Carlos

The supremely talented left-back was a whirling dervish joining the Galactico attack and perhaps the most dangerous free kick taker of all time. His rocket goal in the 2002/2003 Clasico was among the rivalry's best ever.

Ronaldo Koeman

Another defensive stalwart of the Dream Team, Koeman distinguished himself just as much with his bombastic free kicks as his imposing physical defending. He scored the winner with one such blast in the 1992 European Cup against Sampdoria.

Manuel Sanchis

As part of the “Quinta del Buitre” and the only one to play his whole career at Madrid Sanchis will always be a part of Madrid lore. The Merengues trophy-case got significantly bigger when Sanchis captained the club.

Dani Alves

The Brazilian comes from a long line of offensively gifted Brazilian defenders and has developed perhaps the best understanding with teammate Lionel Messi than any player the Argentine has played along with.

Fernando Hierro

Hierro anchored Madrid through its heyday at the turn of the century and his composure, expert long passes and prolific scoring for a defender made him among the all-time Madrid greats.

Carles Puyol

Captain Barça led the Cules to their greatest golden era and his rugged defending and commanding presence in the air made him one of the best defenders of his generation.