Barcelona Nine Points Clear as Eric Garcia Addresses Clasico Guard of Honor Debate

Barcelona are within touching distance of back-to-back La Liga titles, sitting nine points clear of Real Madrid with just seven matches remaining. The Catalans could mathematically clinch the championship before their trip to face Los Blancos in El Clasico on May 10, sparking a fresh round of speculation about the traditional guard of honor.

Defender Eric Garcia addressed the swirling rumors that Real Madrid may refuse to offer the customary tribute if Barcelona arrive at the Bernabeu as champions. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Garcia emphasized that lifting the trophy is the team’s priority after difficult exits in both the Copa del Rey and Champions League earlier in the campaign.

Garcia stated that respecting a rival who has won a title is the minimum any club should offer, and indicated Barcelona would not hesitate to do the same in reversed circumstances. He added that speculation about what Madrid will or won’t do is beyond the squad’s control.

Barcelona face Celta Vigo, Getafe, and Osasuna in the coming weeks before travelling to the Spanish capital. Victories in those fixtures could see the title wrapped up before the Clasico even begins, setting up an extraordinary scenario at the Santiago Bernabeu.