Atletico Madrid president talks about Barcelona relationship ahead of clash – “One of the best clubs”

Atletico Madrid president talks about Barcelona relationship ahead of clash – “One of the best clubs” Barcelona and Atletico Madrid meet at the Metropolitano this evening in a consequential matchup in the context of the La Liga title race. A hot topic heading into this game has been the relationship between the two clubs, which hit rock bottom in the summer over Barça’s pursuit of Julian Alvarez. However, it appears Barcelona and Atletico Madrid bosses have both moved on and the relations are now stable, as stated by Joan Laporta in the lead up to this game. Enrique Cerezo on Barcelona relationship Relations are cordial between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) Laporta’s words were echoed by Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo as well, when asked about the team’s relationship with Barcelona. “With Barcelona the issue of Julian was settled at the time; we said what we had to say. We no longer have to talk about Julian,” he said (h/t Mundo Deportivo ). Cerezo added that he expects Alvarez to perform well against Barcelona this evening and emerge as a differentiator. “What you have to prove, you have to prove on the field. I’m sure he’ll be the star of the match,” said Cerezo, before adding that Barcelona are “one of the best in Europe, if not the best.” The Atletico Madrid president, in fact, said the club harbour a good relationship with all clubs across the Spanish footballing pyramid. “Relationships are good with all the football teams of Primera, Segunda, Tercera Regional and Fourth and Fifth Regional,” he concluded. A different atmosphere in the stadium Barcelona players are expecting a hostile environment at the Metropolitano. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) While the Atletico Madrid and Barcelona bosses appear to be on the same page, the same cannot be said for the fans. In fact, Barcelona are expecting a hostile atmosphere at the Metropolitano this evening and the team can expect a cold welcome by the home supporters. This is largely in relation to Barcelona’s attempts to lure Alvarez to Catalonia in the summer, though it will be interesting to see how the Argentine gets received by the home fans.