Today, lots of soccer games will be played around the world, but most people will be watching and talking about FC Barçelona vs. Real Madrid CF, El Clásico, kicking off at 11:30 AM at Camp Nou.
Reigning NBA MVP Stephen Curry is certainly excited, he even sees some similarities in the playing style of Barçelona and his own Golden State Warriors.
The mythos of the Madrid/Barça rivalry goes beyond the pitch, of course, and includes political, cultural and historical conflict that fuels the passion of the opposing fans. But the characterization of these two clubs as opposing armies in some cultural conflict is a bit overblown and simplified, as most sports rivalries are.