{
  "id": 14442405,
  "title": "India to host El Clasico again as FC Barcelona and Real Madrid legends face off",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/india-to-host-el-clasico-again-as-fc-barcelona-and-real-madrid",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-14T11:49:46.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/sport/india-to-host-el-clasico-again-as-fc-barcelona-and-real-madrid-legends-face-off-1.500710352"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On November 25, Kolkata will witness another high-stakes football event when Barcelona Legends clash with Real Madrid Legends at the historic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium, also known as Salt Lake Stadium. This exhibition match is set to be the second time the two legendary sides face each other in India, following their previous encounter in Mumbai last year. The event was announced by West Bengal’s sports minister on social media, generating excitement among football fans.\n\nAlthough the final lineup has not been confirmed, former stars such as Luis Figo, Carles Puyol, and Iker Casillas are expected to participate. The Salt Lake Stadium, which recently hosted India's match against Brazil, offers an ideal stage for this unique encounter. The contest marks Barcelona's return to Kolkata after a five-year hiatus, as they last played there in 2018, defeating Mohun Bagan 6-0. Lionel Messi made his only appearance in Kolkata in 2011 when Argentina faced Venezuela at the same venue.\n\nThe stadium has a rich history, hosting notable events like Pele's appearance in 1977 and Bayern Munich's visit in 2008. In 2011, the city also witnessed Brazil and Uruguay's international friendlies against India. This upcoming showdown promises to add another chapter to the stadium's illustrious football legacy.",
  "summary": "Dubai: After India vs Brazil match, Kolkata is set to host another high-profile football occasion as Barcelona Legends take on Real Madrid Legends at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium (also known as Salt Lake Stadium) on November 25. The exhibition match was confirmed by West Bengal’s sports minister on social media, sparking excitement among fans eager to watch some of the game’s…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}