With the league already won, Madrid's refusal to give a guard of honour stokes things up
There was a time where making a guard of honour formed part of sporting normality. It was to recognise the merits of a champion, beyond historic rivalries or disagreements.
But that road has been burned. It has become a gesture which humiliates the adversary. In that context Madrid do not want to do the Pasillo because they think they will be mocked for it. All the self claimed 'senorio' has disappeared.
Zidane made it clear yesterday, using the excuse of Barca not giving Madrid one for the Club World Cup.
Jordi Alba said that Madrid should do it and Ramos backed Zidane's words. Disagreements. And another big disagreement is the focus of this game; what has more merit, winning the double or the Champions League?
Jose Mourinho came up with the cleverest answer. "When I win the league I always say the league is the most important thing. And when I win the Champions league I say that is. And when I don't win anything I say that winning is not the most important thing."
Barcelona also have their unbeaten record at stake. 41 games. And this is the last Clasico for Iniesta, who has played 37. The 38th will be special, a Clasico to pay triubte to a player who has helped Spain dominate football.
The Catalans' season started on a bad note in the Spanish Super Cup against Madrid and with a victory they would be able to end it, poetically, on a good note against the same rivals.
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