Simeone speaks out about guard of honor for Real Madrid

The tradition of the honor guard, or "pasillo," has become a topic of significant debate in Spanish football, especially among the top clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atlético Madrid.

The gesture, seen as a sign of respect and sportsmanship, involves players forming a guard of honor to applaud their opponents, usually when they have won a championship. While Real Madrid and Barcelona have participated in this practice for each other in the past, Atlético Madrid, under Diego Simeone's leadership, has taken a different stance.

Simeone's recent comments reaffirm Atlético's position on the matter. Emphasizing the importance of his team and staff, Simeone made it clear that while they respect their opponents, their primary allegiance is to their own club and its values. This declaration came amidst speculations about whether Atlético would perform a "pasillo" for Real Madrid following their recent Spanish Super Cup victory.

On the other hand, Real Madrid's coach, Carlo Ancelotti, expressed a more flexible view. Ancelotti suggested that while the absence of a "pasillo" wouldn't be a significant concern for him, Real Madrid is open to performing the gesture if deemed appropriate. His comments reflect a contrasting approach to Simeone's, highlighting differing perspectives on football traditions among top coaches.

The context of these comments is particularly poignant given Real Madrid's recent success in the Spanish Super Cup held in Saudi Arabia. Their victory, which came after defeating Barcelona in the final and Atlético Madrid in the semi-finals, has set the stage for the next encounter between Atlético and Real Madrid. The upcoming match in the Copa del Rey offers Atlético Madrid an opportunity for redemption and adds another chapter to the intense rivalry between these two clubs.

This ongoing discussion about the "pasillo" and the contrasting approaches of Atlético and Real Madrid illustrate the complexities and varied traditions within football culture. As these teams prepare for their upcoming Copa del Rey clash, the focus will not only be on the result but also on how these cultural and sportsmanship aspects play out in one of the most passionate and competitive football landscapes in the world.