The meetings in the 1950s saw the likes of Alfredo di Stefano go up against Duncan Edwards, while clashes at the beginning of this century involved Zinedine Zidane and Luis Figo test themselves against David Beckham and Paul Scholes.
It was no different on Thursday, even though the fixture between the two sides at the NRG Stadium in Houston was strictly a friendly.
Jude Bellingham and Joselu gave Carlo Ancelotti's side a 2-0 victory, as the teams continued their pre-season preparations in the United States.
But two of the most exciting and electrifiying players on the pitch were the opposing left wingers, in Vinicius Jr and Alejandro Garnacho.