There is always something going on in Spain at this time of year about the pasillo (Hall of Honor in Spanish). Twelve days ago, Atlético Madrid’s selection refused to form a guard of honor for champions Real Madrid. ,,I don’t know if this is common in other countries, every country has its own rituals,’ said coach Diego Simeone. “In Spain they have the honorary guard, but where I come from, we don’t do anything like that,” said the Argentinian. “We have respect for Real Madrid, but more for our own supporters.”
So tonight there was not one guard of honor, but even a double one. First, the Real Madrid players took to the field, and then formed a guard of honor for the Real Betis players. The club from Sevilla won the Copa del Rey on Saturday 23 April by beating Valencia in the final on penalties. Then the players of Real Betis also formed two rows, after which the players of Real Madrid received their applause as champions of Spain.
Carlo Ancelotti gave the necessary big names a rest in recent games, but tonight Real Madrid will take on the eleven names who are also expected to kick off next Saturday in the Champions League final against Liverpool at the Stade de France. Before the game, Real Madrid fans displayed a banner that read ‘The king of Europe always comes back’, surmounted by the Eiffel Tower.