The history of El Clasico’s rivalry is a long one, and many scandalous results and events have happened between Barcelona and Real Madrid over the past. Even now, the emotion of hatred between fans or players of both teams isn’t something unknown. The sour relationship between Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona’s midfield duo composed of Xavi and Iniesta illustrates this fact.
Above this, Sunday’s incident (Real Madrid’s bus attack) is something that also reminded the public that Los Blancos remain pure enemies in the eyes of ardent Barcelona supporters. However, Florentino Perez doesn’t want hostility to take center stage at the Camp Nou on Monday night.
The Real Madrid president rather sees the Barcelona vs Real Madrid match as an opportunity for unity in football to prove its existence. As Perez confessed his respect towards the Catalans during a press conference on Monday, he declared:
“What can I say? Barcelona are a great team. For us, Madrid, it’s a pleasure to play against such a good Barcelona side.
“After El Clasico ends, it always seems as if it’s the world that has ended. I think that’s a normal feeling.
“In a country like Spain where there are two teams as important as Real Madrid and Barcelona, I think it’s difficult. Every time we come to the Camp Nou, we always come with the ambition of winning.
“But, that’s not all. We also come here with the idea of contributing to the festival of football. Football must be an element of unity. I and [Barcelona president] Sandro [Rosell] will co-operate to achieve this goal.”
Florentino Perez concluded his speech about El Clasico with a personal description of the match. He stated:
“Today, two of the best teams will face each other. El Clasico has caught the attention of all football fans around the globe.
“El Clasico is a universal game. It’s even better to enjoy it seating next to a friend [Barcelona’s Sandro Rosell]. When I come here [Camp Nou], I feel like I’ve come to my own house.”
Like Florentino Perez, Real Madrid will be happy to feel like the Camp Nou is their home. But this feeling might only be made possible through a victory over Barcelona.
