Real Madrid piped You’ll Never Walk Alone through the Santiago Bernabeu speakers after beating Liverpool this evening.
Madrid obliterated the Reds over the two legs – 6-2 the final result. It was a chastening experience for Liverpool fans, who aren’t used to being so convincingly beaten in European competition.
But they were at least made to feel at home by their torturers, as Madrid blasted the famous song out upon the full-time whistle.
“They’re going to finish off tonight by playing You’ll Never Walk Alone to the Liverpool supporters who are here. You have to say that’s a very nice touch,” remarked BT Sport commentator Darren Fletcher.
“Very classy. From a fantastic club. Worthy winners tonight. The best team gets through,” added Steve McManaman.
Why did Madrid play YNWA
Some Liverpool supporters may have initially taken the playing of their anthem in the wrong way by Madrid. After such a convincing victory over two legs it could certainly be seen as a potentially proactive move.
But as per Spanish journalist Guillermo Rai on Twitter, it was actually anything but. Instead, the European champions played the tune as a respectful gesture following Liverpool’s marking of the passing of honorary president Amancio Amaro before the first-leg.
Now, Madrid may not be everyone’s favourite team, but this really was a touch of class.
Plenty of Liverpool supporters will feel a certain fury towards the club, having now been beaten by them in the last three Champions League campaigns.
But you have to say that bridges appear to be forming between the two giants. As well as the marks of respect from each club on this occassion, both sets of supporters lived through the terrors of last year’s final in Paris.
That shared experience appears to have built a genuine bond between them. Not every club would have paid tribute in such a public way after humiliating their opponents on the big stage. You simply have to say fair play to Real for that. Best of luck for the rest of the season, hopefully we’ll get you next time.
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