The Brazilian international has commented on Real Madrid’s stance on allowing their home ground to be used as the Copa del Rey final venue.
Real Madrid are reportedly against the Santiago Bernabeu being the venue for the concluding match of the coveted tournament.
The final of the Copa del Rey is to be held between Athletic Bilbao and Barcelona; however, the Spanish Football Association (RFEF) is having trouble finalising a venue, according to reports.
Los Meringues have rejected the notion of staging the final in their home ground since both teams, Barcelona and Bilbao, are known to be supported by pro-separatists. Hence, these two teams may bring an anti-Spanish feeling to the Spanish Capital.
Los Blancos are significantly concerned as last time Barca met Bilbao, the Spanish national anthem was booed by the supporters of the two teams. The incident took place at Valencia’s home stadium, the Mestalla, in 2009.
Alves believes that the Catalonians will never be allowed to play a final in the Spanish Capital. The full-back is of the opinion that regardless of what team La Blaugrana face in the final, the Bernabeu will not be sanctioned as a stage.
However, the Brazilian emphasized that he is not bothered by Madrid’s refusal and insisted that the Catalans are willing to play the final anywhere but in San Mames, which is the home of Athletic Bilbao.
While addressing the press, the defender was quoted as saying:
"We know that, in terms of capacity, the Bernabeu puts itself forward [as the ideal venue]. But I believe that Barcelona will never be allowed to play a final at the Bernabeu. We are not bothered by this; we just do not want it to be on Athletic's pitch
[at San Mames]."
The two Spanish Giants, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38604 and Real Madrid, came face to face in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey with Pep Guardiola’s men emerging victorious with an aggregate of 4-3. Understandably so, staging the final at the Bernabeu may also spark disdain
from the Real Madrid faithful.
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