Emilio Butragueño

Real Madrid Leyendas and Inter Legends face off today, June 13, 2026, at the Santiago Bernabéu for the Corazón Classic Match. This charity fixture brings together legendary figures from both clubs, including Inter President and CEO Giuseppe Marotta and Real Madrid’s Emilio Butragueño, to celebrate the shared history of these two footballing giants. The Santiago Bernabéu, as the historic home of Real Madrid, provides a venue that emphasizes the scale of this event. Hosting a charity fixture of this magnitude at such a landmark stadium underscores the significance of the Corazón Classic in the footballing calendar.

Hospitality and the Puerta 57 Dinner

The Inter delegation arrived in the Spanish capital for a series of high-profile events preceding the match. Led by President and CEO Giuseppe Marotta, the group was invited to an exclusive dinner at the Puerta 57 Restaurant located within the Bernabéu. According to OneFootball, the delegation was welcomed by Real Madrid legend and Director of Institutional Relations Emilio Butragueño, alongside representatives from the Fundación Real Madrid. This gathering served as a formal introduction for the Inter representatives before the charity fixture scheduled for Saturday. The event highlighted the institutional ties between the two clubs as they prepare for the match at the Santiago Bernabéu. These types of institutional meetings are common among top-tier European clubs, serving to foster diplomatic relations and mutual respect. The involvement of the Fundación Real Madrid further emphasizes the event’s focus on community and social responsibility, aligning the clubs’ historical prestige with charitable goals.

Inter’s Trophy Cabinet and 2026 Roster

The Inter squad traveling to Madrid features a collection of veteran talent, including Cambiasso, Zanetti, Maicon, Lúcio, Borja Valero, Toldo, and Karagkounis. The club carries a significant historical weight into the match, as Real Madrid reported that the Italian side belongs to an elite group of teams boasting the European Cup. The inclusion of the European Cup highlights Inter’s standing in the highest echelon of football. As the predecessor to the modern UEFA Champions League, the European Cup remains the most prestigious trophy in club football, and Inter’s history with the competition places them among a select few clubs capable of claiming continental supremacy. Inter’s competitive history includes several major honors that define their presence in European football. The Corazón Classic Match 2026 is supported by various sponsors and collaborators, including the Madrid City Council, EMT, Metro de Madrid, Prosegur, and Clínica Rementería.

The 2014 Draw and Historical Rivalry

The current match revisits a significant precedent set during the 2014 edition of the Corazón Classic. While Real Madrid Leyendas had won every previous iteration of the event, the 2014 meeting ended in a 2-2 draw. OneFootball reported that Inter became the first visiting team to avoid defeat, leading both clubs to agree to share the title rather than proceeding to a penalty shootout. This decision to share the title was a notable departure from standard competitive football protocols. Typically, matches that remain level after regulation time proceed to a penalty shootout to determine a definitive winner. However, the spirit of the Corazón Classic—focused on celebration and charity rather than intense competition—allowed the clubs to prioritize the shared history of the participants over a single winner. The 2014 match, coached by Walter Zenga, saw a series of dramatic shifts in momentum. Zinedine Zidane opened the scoring for Real Madrid, but Javier Zanetti leveled the game with what was described as a spectacular goal. Although Ivan Pérez restored the Madrid lead, Lambros Choutos scored a header to finalize the stalemate.

Notable Rosters from the 2014 Meeting

Connecting the Nerazzurri Fanbase in Spain

Beyond the pitch, the event has served to strengthen the connection between Inter Milan and its supporters in the Iberian Peninsula. A special meet-and-greet was held for approximately 60 members of the Inter Clubs of Madrid and Barcelona, alongside supporters traveling from Italy. As OneFootball noted, Giuseppe Marotta used the occasion to present these Spanish supporter groups with a commemorative pin collection. The event emphasized the deep connection built through the Inter Club network, which maintains a presence in Spain well beyond the borders of Italy. The existence of these clubs within Spain demonstrates the reach of the Nerazzurri’s international community. By engaging directly with these supporter groups, the club reinforces its global footprint and ensures that its history and values are maintained by fans living far beyond the borders of Milan.

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