Real Madrid's delegation touched down in Barcelona ahead of tonight's clash with Espanyol, their first official outing in La Liga this season. The fixture carries a striking irony hours before kick-off.
Los Blancos chose to stay at the Torre Melina hotel, close to Espanyol's stadium. Here's the surprise: Spaniard Rodri, the midfielder who picked Barcelona over Real Madrid, is booked into the very same hotel. A meeting between the two has become the talk of the town before the game.
His stay under the same roof is drawing particular attention. The move to Barcelona came with a heated backdrop, and his name had once been linked with Real Madrid, adding fresh irony to the Whites' visit to the city.
Focus is what the delegation wants, and all of it on Espanyol. This is the start of their official league campaign after their opening-round match was postponed. The hosts, meanwhile, arrive on a high after thumping Levante 3-0.
All eyes remain fixed on the twist that has thrown Real Madrid and Rodri together under one roof, after the midfielder chose the path to Barcelona instead of the Whites.
