Barca trip to Madrid ‘just a game’

AFP, MADRID: Barcelona visit Atletico Madrid in their first trip to the Spanish capital on Saturday since a Catalan independence referendum marred by violence, but Barca coach Ernesto Valverde attempted to quash talk of political tension by insisting it is just “a game of football.”

In their last outing, Barca played behind closed doors as the October 1 referendum, deemed illegal by the Spanish government, took place amid chaotic scenes as police seized ballot papers and clashed with voters leaving 92 injured, among nearly 900 who sought medical attention.

That match was described by Barca captain Andres Iniesta this week as one of the "worst moments" in his career, whilst Gerard Pique, an outspoken defender of Catalonia's right to self-determination, broke down in tears when addressing reporters after the match.

However, Valverde hopes the biggest game of the La Liga season so far is a chance for fans to escape the political tension sweeping Spain rather than indulging in it.

“We are going to kid ourselves. It is a game between two teams who want to fight for La Liga and will be an intimidating atmosphere, but it is a game of football,” Valverde said on Friday.

“Football is for people to enjoy themselves. To support their team, suffer with their team and enjoy it more than anything else."

Only 250 tickets have been made available to away fans at Atletico's new 68,000 capacity Wanda Metropolitano.

However, many Atletico fans have taken to social media to encourage supporters not to politicise the match by waving Spanish flags by using the hashtag “our flag is red and white” on Twitter.

Pique was jeered when playing for Spain in Alicante last week, but he received support for his willingness to speak out from Atletico defender Filipe Luis.

“I am a fan of Pique even if at times I don't agree with what he says,” the Brazilian told El Mundo.

“He puts himself out there, he doesn't hide behind his fame to not say what he thinks. “It is admirable and I wish more footballers were like him."

Despite a series of distractions, including the loss of Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain and calls for Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu to resign on top of the Catalonia crisis, Barca have started La Liga with a perfect record after seven games.

“They have made an enormous effort in the absence of Neymar to continue being a competitive team,” said Atletico coach Diego Simeone, whose side are six points behind Barca in fourth.

Barca trip to Madrid just a game

AFP, MADRID: Barcelona visit Atletico Madrid in their first trip to the Spanish capital on Saturday since a Catalan independence referendum marred by violence, but Barca coach Ernesto Valverde attempted to quash talk of political tension by insisting it is just a game of football. In their last outing, Barca played behind closed doors as the October 1 referendum, deemed illegal by the Spanish government, took place amid chaotic scenes as police seized ballot papers and clashed with voters leaving 92 injured, among nearly 900 who sought medical attention. That match was described by Barca captain Andres Iniesta this week as one of the worst moments in his career, whilst Gerard Pique, an outspoken defender of Catalonias right to self-determination, broke down in tears when addressing reporters after the match. However, Valverde hopes the biggest game of the La Liga season so far is a chance for fans to escape the political tension sweeping Spain rather than indulging in it. We are going to kid ourselves. It is a game between two teams who want to fight for La Liga and will be an intimidating atmosphere, but it is a game of football, Valverde said on Friday. Football is for people to enjoy themselves. To support their team, suffer with their team and enjoy it more than anything else. Only 250 tickets have been made available to away fans at Atleticos new 68,000 capacity Wanda Metropolitano. However, many Atletico fans have taken to social media to encourage supporters not to politicise the match by waving Spanish flags by using the hashtag our flag is red and white on Twitter. Pique was jeered when playing for Spain in Alicante last week, but he received support for his willingness to speak out from Atletico defender Filipe Luis. I am a fan of Pique even if at times I dont agree with what he says, the Brazilian told El Mundo. He puts himself out there, he doesnt hide behind his fame to not say what he thinks. It is admirable and I wish more footballers were like him. Despite a series of distractions, including the loss of Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain and calls for Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu to resign on top of the Catalonia crisis, Barca have started La Liga with a perfect record after seven games. They have made an enormous effort in the absence of Neymar to continue being a competitive team, said Atletico coach Diego Simeone, whose side are six points behind Barca in fourth.