Barcelona continued their push for the La Liga title with a comprehensive 2-0 win over Las Palmas on Saturday, hoping Real Madrid will drop a point in their home match against Girona.
However, playing in front of their fans at the Santiago Bernabeu, and after dropping points in their last three league outings, Madrid were able to get the full three points from this game with goals from Luka Modric and Vinicius Junior.
Madrid’s victory means Barcelona and Real Madrid maintain equality in their La Liga points and have all to play for until the season finale.
Real Madrid’s match against Girona saw the Los Blacos come face to face with some former Barcelona players, Oriol Romeu and Brazilian Arthur Melo.
Melo spent two seasons at Barcelona before being shipped out to Juventus for €80 million in 2020, while the Blaugranes got Miralem Pjanic in exchange for €60 million.
Arthur played 35 minutes at the Santiago Bernabeu last night and was impressed with the Madrid squad as he went on to name the best team in the world.
Endrick of Real Madrid runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Arthur Melo of Girona FC (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
The midfielder spoke to the media after the game, and while talking about the match, he identified Real Madrid as the best team in the world:
“Every match we play, we try to do our best and always want to win. But you’re playing against Madrid at the Bernabéu, for me the best team in the world and full of confidence. However, no matter who we face, we will go for the victory with great respect.”
Having spent two seasons at Barcelona, Melo’s statement will come as a huge surprise. However, Hansi Flicks’ team will be eager to hold on to their lead at the top rather than dwell on this statement..
