The story of one of the great protagonists of those electric classics puts things in their place. Ángel Di María explains how he experienced the Barça-Real Madrid classics during his time at Real Madrid with Mourinho in the dugout. Some played while the others hit.
Ángel DI MARÍA con Juan Pablo VARSKY || Clank! Game #55
This is what Ángel Di María explained in an interview with journalist Juan Pablo Varsky for his YouTube channel Clank Media. He explained himself being now far away from those the events, being already 36 years old and playing for Benfica in Portugal.
One of the most tense moments in the Barça-Real Madrid rivalry 15 years ago came in the 2011 Copa del Rey finals.
It was at Mestalla and Real Madrid won a match remembered for the roughness of the white players against those of Barcelona.
"You Could Only Beat That Barça by Hitting"
Mourinho defended his team, accusing Guardiola's men of acting and simulating fouls that didn't exist. One of his most important players, Angel Di Maria, doesn't see it the same way. He even feared for the health of his friend Messi, on the opposing side.
las mejores peleas entre Barcelona vs Real Madrid en los clasicos
Real Madrid won the Copa del Rey final in 2011 at Mestalla. Di María remembers how he did it: exposing Jose Mourinho, who boasted about the victory.
"The only way to beat that Barcelona was by hitting, scoring and running more than them," said Di Maria. "And that led to their getting into a fight on the field. At times I was afraid that they would injure the "dwarf", I was more worried that nothing happened to him than anything else."
A curious reflection from a player who was then playing for Real Madrid. He was the first to see that Messi was in danger due to his own teammates' kicks.
"That Final Game was Kick after Kick, I was Afraid for Leo"
And he added: “The game at Mestalla was very tough, that final was kick after kick. At one point I had to kick Leo, who was getting away from us on a counterattack.”
"I helped him up and said: 'Sorry, dwarf. But if I didn't get you down, they could have scored.' I had no other option. It was just a matter of playing that way, it was impossible to do otherwise."
When asked about his teammates Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, Di María said straight:
“Messi and Cristiano are the two greatest players in the history of soccer. But it's clear that Lionel Messi is the best and can't be compared to anyone. What he has done...”