The Catalan rival is experiencing an extraordinary weekend. While celebrating its 125th anniversary, FC Barcelona, managed by Hansi Flick and chaired by Joan Laporta, surprised everyone by offering an unexpected gesture to its eternal adversary, Real Madrid, led by Carlo Ancelotti.
“Congratulations on your 125th anniversary, @FCBarcelona. It is an honor for Real Madrid to compete with such a prestigious rival throughout our history,” wrote Florentino Pérez’s club on November 29, paying tribute to their Catalan counterpart.
Despite the fierce rivalry that has defined these two giants of Spanish, European, and world football for decades, remarkable gestures of courtesy occasionally emerge where least expected. During Barça’s 125th-anniversary celebrations, Florentino Pérez also expressed particular attention to the Blaugranas’ delicate financial situation, which he hopes to support through the Super League project.
An Unexpected Defeat to Las Palmas Delights Madrid
FC Barcelona shocked the football world this Saturday by unintentionally gifting Real Madrid an unexpected opportunity. Wearing a commemorative jersey for their 125th anniversary, the Catalans suffered a 1-2 home defeat to Las Palmas. Previously holding a six-point lead over Madrid in La Liga after their victory in the Matchday 11 Clasico in October, this loss has reopened the title race, allowing Carlo Ancelotti’s team to dream of reclaiming the top spot.
This defeat, compounded by a string of underwhelming performances in the previous two matchdays, has made things easier for Real Madrid. If Los Blancos win their two games in hand, they could not only close the gap but also take the lead in the league. A win against Getafe on Sunday would bring Real Madrid within one point of Barça, with their postponed Matchday 12 fixture against Valencia likely to be rescheduled for early 2024.
An Unexpected Gift for a Struggling Real Madrid
For a Real Madrid side struggling to regain its optimal form this season, Barcelona’s recent setbacks are a blessing. Had Hansi Flick’s men maintained their winning streak, the league title would have seemed out of reach for Madrid. But as Carlo Ancelotti reminded everyone after their Clasico defeat, nothing is ever decided in this league. Thanks to these surprising results, everything is now back in play, much to the delight of Madrid’s supporters.
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