Corazon Classic

As these things go, this post was actually supposed to go up last Thursday to celebrate the World Cup kicking off. Because what better way to celebrate football than well, football? (Answer: there is no better way.)  But then I got distracted by football and you’re getting this post a week after the event and several days after this absolutely crazy World Cup we’re having so far (Netherlands – Spain anyone? Or how about that utter dismantling of Portugal that Germany cooly handed out? That last minute goal by Switzerland kept my pretty much dismantled bracket from becoming a complete train wreck, so that was a bonus). It’s also a little bittersweet for me because this is/was the last time I’ll be watching a match in the Bernabéu, at least for the foreseeable future. It seemed kind of fitting that my last visit would be to watch the Corazon Classic and having a chance to see some of the greatest players, not just of Real Madrid, but of football, in general, take the pitch. 

“Real Madrid are words that I still do not know how to express.”

Almost two months ago (I honestly can’t believe it was that long ago!), I took the Bernabéu stadium tour and then shared all of my Real Madrid feels. Last Sunday, while out exploring Madrid, my friend Melissa sent me a text asking if I was interested in attending the Copa del Rey match. Tickets were cheap and she knew I hadn’t yet been to a match. Naturally I jumped at the chance to finally, finally watch the club that helped me fall head over heels for football and she purchased the tickets. 

“Real Madrid is a global idea, something that is worth all the effort.”

This weekend was all about meeting and making new friends. Which is great because I like people and meeting new people is awesome, especially new people with shared interests. Saturday was El Clasico aka Not a Good Day for Livers Everywhere. I met up with Melissa, a fellow Madridista, at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday afternoon for the tour and then to watch the match at a nearby restaurant where we sat among other fans and all took part in yelling at the TV together. Bonding at its finest.