Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has made no attempt to hide that he would love to play Real Madrid in a Champions League Final Clasico. Pique has faced Real Madrid many times, and thinks that playing out another chapter in Barcelona and Real Madrid’s epic rivalry on the biggest stage in club soccer would be the game of a lifetime.
Talking to the media after advancing past Bayern Munich in the Semifinals, Pique said, “whoever we get we will set out to play the game. [Although] it would be very exciting to be the first to play in a Champions League final against our biggest rival. It would be something historic."
Historic indeed. El Clasico is regularly one of the most watched club matches of the year, and with good reason: Barcelona and Real Madrid are not only the two best teams in La Liga, but two of the three best teams in the world, sharing the distinction of “superteam” with Bayern Munich. The bragging rights associated with winning a Champions League Final El Clasico would echo throughout the history of either club.
For it to happen, though, Real Madrid has to comeback from its current 2-1 deficit against Juventus in the second leg of their semifinal. Real Madrid certainly has the capability to do so — many would even go so far as to say they are favored to do so, but they will have to deal with the return of Paul Pogba to Juventus’ midfield. The French star will provide a boost in belief, talent, and star power the likes of which could make a difference in the tie.
Real Madrid faces off against Juventus in the second leg of their semifinal today at 2:45 p.m. EST.