‘Good vibes’ between Gerard Pique and Sergio Ramos as Spain duo put rivalry aside

The defensive duo have a long-standing partnership at the back for Spain, but have come to blows over recent months due to matters at club level.

Both Real Madrid’s Ramos and Barcelona’s Pique have been vocal in their suggestion that refereeing decisions are favouring the other side.

The most recent example came after two second-half penalties guided Barcelona towards a memorable 6-1 victory over PSG – which in turn helped them overturn a 4-0 first-leg defeat in the Champions League last 16 – and it was a game which Ramos described as “historic in every way”.

"They are many years with the national team, Ramos and Pique and the atmosphere is good," Busquets told El Partidazo. "The good vibe is magnificent.

"Here, Sergio is the captain and has more hierarchy and, at Barca, Gerard has more of a leadership role."

Earlier in the week, Ramos said he would give Pique a hug in training as the pair prepare to face Israel in a World Cup qualifier on Friday.

"There has to be everything, but above all respect," Busquets added. "Sometimes you cross the barrier of respect for many things – because you do not want to let the rival be, for being the eternal rival.

"Let them say what they want. I'm not going to get into that war.

"There are times when you think about one thing, you can say another and between us, once we come here, we talk about football. We do not give it much more thought."