In less than two weeks, FC Barcelona welcome arch-rivals Real Madrid for the first El Clásico of the 2019-20 season at the Camp Nou.
Check out four unexpected goal scorers from previous encounters between the two La Liga giants.
1. Ivan Iglesias
A product of Sporting Gijon academy, Ivan Iglesias was an integral part of Johan Cruyff’s Barcelona midfield trio. An industrious defensive midfielder, Iglesias is also a competent technical passer.
2. Miguel Angel Nadal
Nicknamed ‘La Bestia’ (The Beast) for his tremendous physical display, Miguel Angel Nadal was a very versatile player during his 9 years playing for Barcelona. He can play anywhere across the back four, as well as his favourite positions in centre midfield. He is also the uncle of professional tennis player Rafael Nadal, whilst his brother Toni was Rafael’s coach
3. Jeffren Suarez
Hailed from the infamous La Masia academy, Jeffren Suarez is a tricky winger who relies on speed and skills to beat his defenders. Despite his strong performances for Barcelona B side which eventually convinces Pep Guardiola to give him his debut for the senior squad, Jeffren was never really built for top level European football.
He now plays for Grasshopper Club Zürich in Switzerland.
4. Eric Abidal
Eric Abidal is another player who was integral to Pep Guardiola’s success in Barcelona, including the two Champions League titles he won in 2008/2009 and 2010/2011. Mainly a left back, Abidal also can play as a centre back.
His later career was marked by liver disease, but recovered swiftly after receiving a transplant. Now he is serving as the Director of Football for Barcelona.