October 20
What’s the story?
The atmosphere ahead of the highly anticipated Clásico between Barcelona and Real Madrid is already heating up, following an unexpected exchange between Kylian Mbappé and Chendo—a Real Madrid team delegate—captured by Spanish television cameras during the final minutes of the match against Sevilla in La Liga.
An eye-catching moment before the Clásico
The incident occurred after Real Madrid substituted the French forward, who had scored two goals in the match—a 4-1 victory for the *Los Blancos* at the Santiago Bernabéu. Shortly thereafter, some fans began chanting a familiar taunt directed at Barcelona: "He’s a Pole who can’t dribble!"
Chendo turned to Mbappé and asked if he understood the meaning of the word "Pole." The French forward, appearing surprised by the question, replied, "The chants?"
The Real Madrid delegate continued speaking to Mbappé, but covered his mouth with his hand to prevent the cameras from picking up his words, before the conversation ended with both men laughing.
In the context of Spanish football rivalries, the term "Pole" is sometimes used—in a mocking or derogatory way—to refer to Catalans.
The moment has brought renewed attention to this chant, especially with the upcoming clash between the two arch-rivals.
The incident comes just days before the first Clásico of the season. Barcelona will host Real Madrid this coming Sunday at the Spotify Camp Nou, in a match expected to further intensify the rivalry between the two sides.
