Atletico Madrid's final justification not to give Real Madrid a guard of honour

Atletico Madrid will not give champions Real Madrid a guard of honour next Sunday at the Wanda Metropolitano, believing that “some want to convert something that began as a gesture to recognise the champions into a pubic toll that has to be paid to rivals, impregnated with an aroma of humiliation.” Sources told EFE agency that as such they will not be participating “in this attempt of mockery”. 

Atletico Madrid also pointed out Celta Vigo did not give them a guard of honour in the first game of the season at Balaidos as reigning champions and that it was a “correct” decision, because it was at home and not at the Wanda Metropolitano.

“We did receive a guard of honour in the first game we played as hosts, from Elche. Received gratefully and without any demand,” added the Atletico source.