Following the game against RCD Mallorca, FC Barcelona have an interesting set of matches coming up ahead as well. With the Catalan giants now focused on the upcoming matches in both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, they seem destined to meet a few familiar faces.
Two clashes in particular that could see some interesting reunions are the upcoming games against Sevilla in La Liga and the clash against Portuguese giants FC Porto in the UEFA Champions League.
As highlighted by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona could expect to reunite with two former Real Madrid defenders at either of the two fixtures. The defenders in question are none other than Real Madrid legends Sergio Ramos and Pepe.
Ramos, now 37 years old, currently plies his trade for his former club Sevilla where he has returned after a brief stint at French club Paris Saint-Germain. A former captain of Real Madrid, the Spanish central defender has amassed a grand legacy with Los Blancos that includes, but is not limited to, four UEFA Champions Leagues, five La Liga titles, and two Copa Del Ray titles among many others.
However, another interesting detail to remember is that Ramos remains the player with the most red cards in Spanish top-flight history. According to various sources, his number of red cards in La Liga have exceeded 20 by this point in time.
Interestingly, he has been sent off a record five times against FC Barcelona. This comes as no surprise given the animosity between both Spanish clubs and the storied past that they share between themselves.
The other case is that of Pepe, who currently plays for FC Porto in Portugal, the country of his birth. Despite having already hit the age of 40, the Portuguese defender continues to play for an elite side in Europe and his past endeavors at Real Madrid have already proven that he can get by using techniques apart from his fair defensive skills.
Formerly, in his days as a player of Real Madrid, Pepe was infamous for being one of the dirtiest executioners within the Madrid team coached by the legendary manager Jose Mourinho. His antics against Barcelona in particular were well-documented and remain a prominent feature of El Clasico lore even today.
Their appearances against FC Barcelona will now be dependent on their respective managers, however. In the scenario that both Real Madrid legends end up being selected to feature, Barcelona could have a very historic reunion to look forward to and remain additionally motivated for as well.
