A kiss between Pique & Sergio Ramos: the solution to the Catalan conflict?

The Clasico is coming, a moment which is usually a genuine battle of titans. It usually throws up great footballing moments. However, this time, the game is not just about football but also about politics. 

From 'Spain, sit and talk' to 'Spain, kiss and talk' there's a very small step. For that reason, the graffiti of Barcelona defender Gerard Pique and his Real Madrid counterpart Sergio Ramos kissing has gone viral. The image calls for dialogue between Catalonia and Spain over the region's push for independence. 

The artwork, done by Tvboy, an urban artist, has appeared on Paseo de Gracia in Barcelona ahead of Wednesday's Clasico. It's not the first time something like this has appeared. There was also a near-identical graffiti piece featuring Messi and Ronaldo, and another involving Carles Puigdemont and Mariano Rajoy.

Tvboy's intention is clear: to promote a solution, passing through dialogue, to the political unrest in Catalonia. Pique represents Catalonia and Ramos Spain. 

Wednesday's game will be preceded by protests, with Tsunami Democratic calling for people to meet at Camp Nou four hours before kickoff to make a similar call: for Spain and Catalonia to sit down and talk.