#probablycheating

It's worth noting that the two sides symbolicaly and realistically embodied two totally at odds sides. Before and after Franco's conquest, Madrid housed the team that was really reflective and influenced by the government. People look to Real Madrid and automatically think royalty. During the Franco era, Real Madrid represented the values and beliefs of the country. To the contrary. Barcelona was very radical, government hating separatists who had their own language and where looking to form their own country. Divisive lines where drawn and only thickened with time. (Kirsten Schlewitz, 2015) Similarly, you see where Franco came in to power and picked/pulled at the parts of the rivalry that would best suit his interest.

Between the pre-existing animosity and Franco's intrusion into the game through various policies and backdoor deals, it is only natural that the rivalry has blossomed in to the heated brawl it annually proves to be. What started out as a pure regional battle has turned into the foremost political and socially fueled soccer game. You see it all the time; chants and signs in game, behind the scenes things like when Franco banned the Barcelona flying of their Catalonian flag or using their original language in papers related to the organization. (Schlewitz, Politics...Madrid)