The former Real Madrid and Barcelona managers are set to write a new chapter to their rivalry in Manchester.
Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola’s rivalry in Spain was heated, and it’s next stop is Manchester as United and City square off on Saturday.
Real Madrid and Barcelona are the two titans of Spanish football, while Manchester United and Manchester City are two heavyweights in England. It is only fitting that it is the next stage for the Mourinho-Guardiola battle.
As the two prepare to face each other for the first time since 2012, we look at the previous five meetings between the two managers.
Barcelona 3 Real Madrid 2, Spanish Super Cup 2nd Leg, 17 August 2011
With the first leg ending as a 2-2 draw, the second leg was perfectly poised to be a classic.
Andres Iniesta gave Guardiola’s side the lead before Cristiano Ronaldo brought Real level. Lionel Messi put the Catalans back in front again, with Karim Benzema making it 4-4 on aggregate in the final 10 minutes.
The game was settled with two minutes to go when maestro Messi grabbed his second goal and won the cup for Guardiola.
The tie was marred by controversy when opposition players and coaching staffs clashed.
Real Madrid 1 Barcelona 3, La Liga, 10 December 2011
In the first league meeting of the 2011/12 La Liga campaign, Benzema gave Mourinho’s men the best possible start after 23 seconds.
That was as good as it got for Madrid, with Alexis Sanchez equalising and Xavi putting Barcelona in front.
The result was wrapped up by Cesc Fabregas’ diving header, making it back-to-back victories for Guardiola against Mourinho.
Real Madrid 1 Barcelona 2, Copa del Rey 1st Leg, 18 January 2012
One month later, Barcelona made it three consecutive wins, this time in cup competition.
Ronaldo had put Los Blancos ahead after 11 minutes, but Carles Puyol equalised early into the second half.
The comeback was complete in the 77th minute when Messi found Eric Abidal who made it 2-1 and gave Barcelona the advantage going into the second leg.
Barcelona 2 Real Madrid 2, Copa del Rey 2nd Leg, 25 January 2012
The second leg took place the following week, and Barcelona led 2-0 at half time through Pedro and Dani Alves.
Two goals in four minutes from Ronaldo and Benzema made the final 20 minutes interesting, but Guardiola’s side held on to reach the next round of the Copa del Rey.
Having won their fourth consecutive Clasico, the home fans mocked their opponents by unveiling a banner which requested a worthy Clasico rival.
Barcelona 1 Real Madrid 2, La Liga, 21 April 2012
In the last time the two managers met, Mourinho ended the baron run against Guardiola.
Sami Khedira put Madrid in front, but substitute Sanchez brought the home side level. However, Madrid went back ahead and held on for victory thanks to Ronaldo’s strike.
Mourinho would go on to claim the La Liga title, meaning the Portuguese boss had the final laugh over Pep, who would leave Barcelona at the end of the season.
Guardiola has the better overall record against his competitor Mourinho, but the Special One was the last of the two to taste victory. Which of these titans of management will be celebrating in Manchester come Saturday?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
