ESPN’s global team prepares for ElClásico on Sunday

ESPN Brasil reporter André Linares (L) and ESPN Brasil commentator Paulo Calçade report outside Camp Nou. (Carolina Almeida/ESPN)

L-R ESPN Deportes’ commentators Mauricio (L-R) ESPN Deportes’ commentators Mauricio Pedroza, Alex Pareja, Moises Llorens and Rodrigo Faez prepare to report from Barcelona. Dayron Quiróz (L), AP, ESPN International, inspects the set. (Henry Vivar/ESPN)

Dayron Quiróz (L), AP, ESPN International, inspects the set. Dayron Quiróz (L), AP, ESPN International, inspects the set. (Henry Vivar/ESPN)

Jesús Pimentel, ESPN Audio, prepares the set in Barcelona. (Henry Vivar/ESPN)

Here's a look at the ESPN ElClasico set overlooking the picturesque Port Vell in Barcelona. Dayron Quiróz (L), AP, ESPN International, inspects the set. (Henry Vivar/ESPN)

On Sunday, May 11, at 10:15 a.m. ET, ESPN will present live coverage of the 261st edition of ElClásico in the U.S. across ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ — in both English and Spanish.

The FC Barcelona-Real Madrid soccer showdown marks the first ElClásico to air on ESPN’s English-language linear platform since the launch of its eight-year LaLiga rights agreement in 2021.

The match will also air across ESPN platforms in Brazil, Argentina, and other South American markets. In addition, ESPN will deliver extensive editorial coverage across global editions of ESPN.com and social platforms in Latin America, EMEA, Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Editorial coverage will be published in English, Spanish, and Dutch.

The effort underscores ESPN’s commitment to delivering world-class soccer to fans at a truly international scale.

Our teams in the U.S., Latin America, and on-site in Barcelona collaborate to deliver multiplatform live coverage, studio shows, digital storytelling, and special features — all aligned under a unified editorial strategy that speaks to fans everywhere.
— SVP, Production, Rodolfo Martinez

Studio coverage will originate from a scenic set overlooking Barcelona’s Port Vell, featuring live reports, digital storytelling, and post-match analysis. The production highlights our global coordination and ability to localize content that resonates deeply with each audience.

This multiplatform initiative, led by Senior Vice President of Production Rodolfo Martinez, brings together teams across regions under a unified editorial vision.

Front Row asked Martinez, coordinating producer Gisela Leyva, and editorial production manager Jader Lago about how they’re bringing ElClásico to life for fans around the region.

Martinez on ESPN’s global approach to ElClasico:
We treat ElClásico as a global tentpole. Our teams in the U.S., Latin America, and on-site in Barcelona collaborate to deliver multiplatform live coverage, studio shows, digital storytelling, and special features — all aligned under a unified editorial strategy that speaks to fans everywhere. We also optimize resources using multilingual talent across regions, ensuring authentic, culturally resonant content.

On balancing consistency and localization:
The key challenge is balancing consistency with cultural nuance. Through close coordination among regional teams, we maintain top-tier production standards while adapting presentation, voices, and content to reflect each audience’s passion and identity.

Leyva on reaching U.S. audiences across language:
We bring ElClásico home by connecting with fans in real time. Our approach makes LaLiga moments personal and relevant, highlighting local context, relatable stories, and content tailored to our soccer-savvy U.S. audience.

On the role of talent in multiplatform storytelling:
ESPN is an expert on creating, leveraging and retaining on-air talent. The legends, presenters and reporters will join forces to shape the narrative of ElClásico. Barcelona will be where this team conveys entertainment with news and stories that connect with the viewer through its voice, personality and delivery.

Lago on Brazil’s perspective:
For the Brazilian audience, some of the fondest memories of ElClásico are related to the Brazilian players on the field. This weekend, our coverage will spotlight Raphinha and Vinicius Jr. with content teams in Barcelona and Madrid, capturing the excitement.

On adapting for Brazilian viewers:
Soccer is the most popular sport in Brazil. To capture all the action and cultural richness of LaLiga, ESPN Brazil will be producing live hits, interviews, and custom content that connects Brazilian fans to LaLiga’s culture and action.

Santa Brito contributed to this post