LaLiga & PPTV host #ElClasico bonanzas in China

Spanish football followers from right across China revelled in all of the action served up by this weekend's #ElClasico, with attendees in Beijing and Shanghai treated to the presence of LaLiga ambassadors Fernando Morientes and Gaizka Mendieta respectively. The live viewings, which were jointly organised by LaLiga and PPTV - the organisation's official broadcaster in China -, proved to be a resounding success.

Shanghai and Beijing were the cities chosen by Chinese-based fans for the live screenings of the #ElClasico showdown between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. Supporters cast their votes on the social media site Weibo to determine that Shanghai would be the main base for the Barça faithful, whilst the Madridistas would cheer their team on from Beijing. Attendees at both venues were offered the chance to take part in various activities and got to meet the ambassadors, before settling down to enjoy the blockbuster clash.

Nearly 500 followers took their places alongside Morientes and Mendieta and former Chinese players Xie Zhaoyang and Xie Hui, who shared their experiences and participated in the fun and games with those in attendance.

In addition to the footballing festivities in Shanghai and Beijing, 10 bars located in Nanjing, Qingdao, Chengdu, Shenzhen and Xi'an laid on special events for supporters based in these five cities.