Real Madrid News
Real Madrid risk giving Barcelona a guard of honour in El Clasico for the first time since 1988 – here’s why
The La Liga title race is practically over following this weekend’s set of results, with Real Madrid dropping points against Girona, allowing Barcelona to secure a nine-point lead at the top.
With just seven matches remaining, Real Madrid would require a miracle from here to get back into contention to win the league.
But beyond the loss of silverware, a more stinging humiliation looms on the horizon: the prospect of performing a guard of honour, or “pasillo,” at the Camp Nou.
The mathematical nightmare
As it stands, if both teams continue their current trajectories, the title could be mathematically decided either during or even before the upcoming Clasico in Barcelona, reports MARCA.
If Real Madrid’s domestic collapse persists and the Blaugrana are crowned champions prior to that match, Los Blancos will face a massive institutional dilemma upon their arrival at the Camp Nou.
The tradition of the guard of honour has long been a point of contention between the two rivals. The only historical precedent in this specific stadium dates back to 1988, when a gracious Barcelona squad applauded Real Madrid onto the pitch as the confirmed league champions.
Since then, the gesture has become increasingly politicised.
In 2018, a similar situation arose when Real Madrid visited the Camp Nou with Barcelona already having secured the title.
On that occasion, Zinedine Zidane famously settled the debate with a firm refusal, stating, “We will not give Barcelona a guard of honour, that’s my decision.”
Zidane argued that because Barcelona had not performed the gesture after Madrid won the Club World Cup earlier that season, the tradition had been broken.
Now, eight years later, Álvaro Arbeloa and Florentino Pérez find themselves at a similar crossroads.
For a Real Madrid side already reeling from defensive injuries and a seven-point gap that has now swelled to nine, the walk onto the Camp Nou turf could prove to be the most painful moment of the season.
Real Madrid youngster Endrick continues to attract interest from several clubs ahead of another potential loan move in the upcoming January transfer window.
The latest side considering a move for the Brazilian forward is Aston Villa.
Indeed, according to reports relayed by Bernabeu Digital, the Premier League club are interested in signing the Real Madrid striker on loan in January.
No minutes for Endrick
Endrick has had very limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho this season. Across Real Madrid’s nine matches in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, the Brazilian has played just four minutes, coming on in the 86th minute against Elche.
Such limited playing time has left the young forward struggling to gain the minutes and experience needed to develop his talent at Real Madrid.
As such, another loan move, like last January when he left for Olympique Lyon, could offer him a chance to play more regularly and continue his progression.
Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, have now emerged as an interested party to acquire the Brazilian international’s services on loan for the second half of the season.
AC Milan also interested in Endrick
Howver, Aston Villa are not the only club monitoring Endrick’s situation. AC Milan have also renewed their interest in the Brazilian forward.
The Rossoneri already held an interest in the 20-year-old forward during the summer transfer window and are knocking on the doors once again now.
In fact, some reports in Italy even go on to suggest that the youngster is ready to pounce on the opportunity to sign for the Serie A giants.
For now, however, there have been no concrete developments or formal approaches from any interested club.
Real Madrid are understood to be open to allowing Endrick to leave on loan, but they are not considering a permanent sale as they still have a lot of faith in the promising attacker whom they signed from Palmeiras.
With Aston Villa and AC Milan both interested, the coming months could prove important in determining where the young Brazilian will continue his development.
