The best El Clasico books to read about Real Madrid and Barcelona in 2023

In Fear and Loathing in La Liga, Sid Lowe outlines the fierce rivalry between two of the biggest football clubs in the world. As a historian and Spanish football expert, Lowe explores the rivalry's roots, which stem all the way from civil war to its modern-day domination as the El Clasico in football.

Bitterness is never far away from the surface when Real Madrid and Barcelona meet each other on the football field. It is rooted in history and has forged rivalries off the pitch, from General Franco and the bloody civil war to the Catalan city of Barcelona's lukewarm reaction to Spain's most recent World Cup and European Championship triumphs. This book covers it all and so much more.

Patrick O'Connell turned his career as a player in the English leagues into a successful period as a Spanish football manager, most notably guiding Real Betis to their only title success in La Liga. But the story of how he saved Barcelona from financial ruin as their boss during the Spanish Civil War forms the bulk of this remarkable tale, penned by his grandson's wife.

The Real Madrid story is unique, and The Real Madrid Way by Steven G.Mandis details how the club rose to the top quickly to dominate in the modern footballing landscape. Mandis has rigorously researched and analysed how Los Blancos went from near bankruptcy to becoming one of the most valuable sporting organisations in the world.

Jimmy Burn unearths old police files, long forgotten newspaper reports to map out the prestigious history of Barcelona football club. Including how legendary names like  Kubala, Maradona, Cruyff, Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Lineker graced the Barca shirt, one of the biggest and most beloved clubs worldwide.

If you're a history buff and want to dig deeper into the context that surrounds the El Clasico fixture, then this is the book for you. Daria Solarz presents the Spanish history and media-driven conflict behind two of the biggest football clubs in the country.

Renowned journalist George Orwell intended to report on the Spanish civil war but instead became embroiled at the very heart of it and joined the Workers’ Party of Marxist Unity - which he has chronicled in this book. He writes about the euphoria of Barcelona and the brave men and women he fought alongside.

If you're a Real Madrid fan and like to get your facts and figures in order - this is the perfect handbook for you. Rob MacWilliam has put together everything you will want to know from the 20th-century history and onwards about Real Madrid - one of Europe's most skilful sides over the last 30 years.

The Barcelona Legacy dives into the tactics and theories that underpin the modern game, which was established by Johan Cruyff and his successors at Barcelona. It's the perfect coaching seminar book about the famous friendships and rivalries at the Catalan club.

Barcelona hasn't become a giant in the football world by accident. Simon Kuper outlines how the club's amazing transformation took place, the structure behind its business decisions, and details the work of its coaches, medics, data analysts and nutritionists who have revolutionised the club.