Season 2013–14: The Setup Before the War
Context and Managers
Over the last decade, world football witnessed one of its greatest rivalries: Barcelona’s MSN (Messi–Suárez–Neymar) versus Real Madrid’s BBC (Bale–Benzema–Cristiano Ronaldo). Before the rivalry truly ignited, the 2013–14 season set the foundation. Barcelona, under president Sandro Rosell, parted ways with the ill Tito Vilanova, appointing Gerardo “Tata” Martino. Real Madrid entered a new era as Carlo Ancelotti replaced José Mourinho.
Statement Signings
Both clubs made blockbuster moves. Real Madrid broke records by signing Gareth Bale from Tottenham for around €100m
While Barcelona secured Brazilian superstar Neymar Jr. from Santos for roughly €75m.
At this stage, BBC was already complete, while MSN was still missing Luis Suárez.
Transfers and Squad Changes
In my video I have compared signings of both Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Madrid sold Gonzalo Higuaín to Napoli (€40m), let Kaká return to AC Milan for free, and moved Raúl Albiol to Napoli (€10m). Crucially, they re-signed Dani Carvajal via a buyback clause (€6.5m) and brought back Casemiro from Porto. They also signed Asier Illarramendi from Real Sociedad (€32m).
Barcelona sold Thiago Alcântara (buyout clause, €25m), loaned Bojan Krkić, and promoted Sergi Roberto to the first team. Despite strong performances, controversial refereeing decisions cost them key La Liga points.
Key Competitions and Results
- La Liga: Atlético Madrid won the title after a 1–1 draw at Camp Nou on the final day. Real Madrid finished third.
- Copa del Rey Final: Real Madrid beat Barcelona, highlighted by Bale’s iconic sprint and goal past Marc Bartra.
- Champions League: Real Madrid won La Décima, defeating Atlético Madrid 4–1 after Sergio Ramos’ 92:48 equaliser.
Early Statistical Edge: BBC
BBC already exploded statistically:
- Cristiano Ronaldo: 51 goals, 17 assists
- Karim Benzema: 24 goals, 16 assists
- Gareth Bale: 22 goals, 19 assists
Total: 97 goals, 52 assists (149 G/A). Barcelona relied on Messi (41G, 14A), Neymar (15G, 15A), plus Alexis Sánchez and Pedro.
Season 2014–15: The Rise of MSN vs Peak BBC
Barcelona’s Rebuild Under Luis Enrique
After a trophyless year, Luis Enrique replaced Martino.
Club legends Carles Puyol retired and Víctor Valdés left. Barça sold Cesc Fàbregas to Chelsea and Alexis Sánchez to Arsenal, then signed Luis Suárez (€80.8m), Ivan Rakitić, Marc-André ter Stegen, Claudio Bravo, Jérémy Mathieu, and Thomas Vermaelen.
Suárez began the season banned after biting Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup, delaying the full MSN debut.
Real Madrid’s Reinforcement
Madrid signed James Rodríguez (€76m), Toni Kroos (€25m), and Keylor Navas (€10m), while selling Ángel Di María to Manchester United and Xabi Alonso to Bayern Munich. Carlo Ancelotti entered his second season.
Titles and Defining Moments
- Barcelona: Won the historic treble(La Liga, Copa del Rey, Champions League).
- Champions League: Barça beat Bayern (Messi vs Boateng) and Juventus in the final.
- Copa del Rey Final: Messi’s legendary solo goal vs Athletic Bilbao.
- Real Madrid: Won UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup.
MSN vs BBC: Numbers
- Messi: 58G, 31A
- Suárez: 25G, 23A
- Neymar: 39G, 10A
MSN total: 122 goals, 64 assists.
BBC remained elite, led by Ronaldo’s 61 goals, but MSN’s chemistry proved decisive. Messi won the Ballon d’Or, while Ronaldo claimed the Golden Boot.
Season 2015–16: Transition, Chaos, and European Glory
Managerial Turmoil
Real Madrid started with Rafa Benítez, who was sacked mid-season and replaced by Zinedine Zidane. Barcelona faced boardroom instability under Josep Maria Bartomeu, while Xavi Hernández departed after the treble.
Barcelona’s Underrated Domestic Dominance
Under Luis Enrique, Barça won La Liga (by 1 point), Copa del Rey, UEFA Super Cup, and Club World Cup, but were knocked out of the Champions League by Atlético Madrid.
Real Madrid’s European Redemption
Zidane led Madrid to Champions League glory, beating Atlético Madrid on penalties. BBC thrived again in Europe.
MSN vs BBC: Peak Production
- MSN: 131 goals, 73 assists (204 G/A)
- Suárez: 59G
- Messi: 41G (despite injury)
- Neymar: 31G
- BBC:
- Ronaldo: 51G
- Benzema: 28G
- Bale: 19G
Barcelona dominated domestically; Madrid ruled Europe.
Season 2016–17: The Ultimate Team vs The Ultimate Trio
Real Madrid’s Historic Season
Zidane built one of football’s greatest squads. Real Madrid won La Liga, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and Club World Cup. Depth players like Morata, Asensio, Isco, Kroos, Modrić, Casemiro, Marcelo, and Ramos all contributed heavily.
Barcelona’s Highs and Lows
Luis Enrique’s final season featured iconic moments—the 6–1 remontada vs PSG and Messi’s shirt celebration at the Bernabéu—but ended with only La Liga and Copa del Rey.
Statistical Comparison
- BBC:
- Ronaldo: 42G, 12A
- Benzema: 19G, 8A
- Bale: 9G, 6A
- MSN:
- Messi: 54G
- Suárez: 36G, 20A
- Neymar: 20G, 20A
Ronaldo won the Ballon d’Or, cementing BBC’s dominance as a team unit.
Season 2017–18: The End of Two Eras
Neymar Leaves, Market Explodes
Neymar joined PSG for €220m, ending MSN. Barcelona reinvested poorly, signing Ousmane Dembélé, Philippe Coutinho, Paulinho, Nélson Semedo, and others.
Barcelona Under Valverde
Despite Champions League collapses against Roma, Barça won La Liga and Copa del Rey, nearly going unbeaten domestically.
Real Madrid’s Three-Peat
I have explained in detail how Real Madrid completed an impossible 3 peat under Zidane in this video.
Zidane and Ronaldo led Madrid to a historic third consecutive Champions League, beating Liverpool in the final with Bale’s iconic bicycle kick.
Final Numbers and Legacy
- BBC (2017–18): Ronaldo 44G, Bale 21G
- Messi & Suárez combined: 116 G/A
Ronaldo left Madrid; Zidane stepped down. Luka Modrić won the Ballon d’Or, ending Messi–Ronaldo dominance.
Final Verdict: MSN vs BBC
- Pure talent, chemistry, and aesthetics→ MSN
- Titles, longevity, squad integration→ BBC
There is no definitive winner. MSN and BBC represent two different kinds of footballing perfection. Preference decides the debate, and that’s what makes this rivalry immortal.
Who is your favourite trio? Do leave your thoughts in the comment section of my video.
