Madrid

'Athletic, Athletic, club de limpia tradición...' That was the first anthem I knew of the old and beloved Athletic Club, 'world football's unique case', as L'Équipe once wrote.

Watching River Plate out there parading the trophy, I thought of Alfredo Di Stéfano, who I saw taste success so many times on the same pitch...

Maybe it coincides with reading Sergio del Molino's latest book, ‘Lugares fuera de sitio’ (Out of place locations) that inspired me with today's headline.

Alfredo Relaño previews a weekend crowned by Sunday's Copa Liberadores final between River Plate and Boca Juniors which will be played here in Madrid.

Real Madrid face Valencia today in a big-name clash, one that finds us still digesting the news that the Bernabéu is to hold the Copa Libertadores final...

AS editor Alfredo Relaño looks ahead to the two biggest games in world football this Saturday.

Madrid has two fiestas, San Isidro and the Paloma. In the 1950s and 1960s there was another, the final of the Copa del Rey: always played here, and almost always with Athletic.

These two fixtures will serve as fitting curtain raisers before Wednesday night's UEFA Super Cup clash.

A debate has been ongoing between Madrid and Barcelona about what is better: winning the Champions League or winning the Liga and Copa double.