The Dugout Rivalry

Manager Comparison

From Miguel Muñoz and Johan Cruyff to today's Bernabéu and Camp Nou dugouts.

Currently In Charge

The two head coaches steering the rivalry into its next chapter.

Real Madrid — Xabi Alonso

  • AppointedSummer 2025
  • Previous clubBayer Leverkusen
  • As a Madrid player2009–2014

A club legend as a player under José Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti, Alonso returned to the Bernabéu as head coach after leading Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga title.

Barcelona — Hansi Flick

  • AppointedSummer 2024
  • Previous clubGermany national team
  • Signature trophy2020 Champions League (Bayern)

Flick won a historic sextuple with Bayern Munich in 2019/20 before taking over at Barcelona, immediately delivering a domestic treble in his first season and extending his contract through at least 2028.

Most Successful Managers, By Trophies

Ranked by total trophies won while in charge of the club's first team.

#Real MadridTrophiesBarcelonaTrophies
1Carlo Ancelotti15Pep Guardiola14
2Miguel Muñoz14Johan Cruyff11
3Zinedine Zidane11Luis Enrique9
4Luis Molowny8Frank Rijkaard6
5Vicente del Bosque7Hansi Flick4+

Ancelotti's Real Madrid haul includes three Champions League titles across two spells; Guardiola's Barcelona tenure remains the most statistically dominant four-year spell either club has produced, built around the Messi–Xavi–Iniesta core.

Managers Who Coached Both Clubs

Crossing the touchline divide is almost as rare as crossing it as a player. Bernd Schuster, who played for both clubs, later managed Real Madrid (2007–2008) after a playing career that included both. Luis Enrique played for both Real Madrid and Barcelona before going on to manage Barcelona to a treble in 2015 — but never managed Madrid. No manager in the fixture's modern history has led both first teams; the rivalry's intensity makes it close to unthinkable.

See which players made the switch on the transfers page.