Real Madrid Madrid understand he worked for LaLiga

There was surprise in some quarters that Real Madrid legend Raul Gonzalez Blanco had turned up to the opening of the New York office of rivals Barcelona.

As the former Spanish striker explained, however, it was something he had to do on behalf of LaLiga.

"All Madrid must understand that I work with LaLiga and if a club opens an office in New York, then I have to be there," he told Onda Cero.

"I went to the inauguration of the headquarters of Barcelona and did what I had to do.

"There was no doubt I was going to be at the opening because it is my responsibility as an ambassador, and although I'm Real Madrid, I think I've always been very respectful of all clubs.

"I've never been radical, and I'm happy about that.

"All Spanish teams need to do well because to be anti-that is not part of my values," he explained.

Looking at how both Real and Barcelona did in their respective games, Raul was full of praise for Alaves.

"Madrid lacked some fluency in the first half but they had great enthusiasm for the win.

"Credit to Alaves who played a very complete match.

"I think Barcelona's rotations were necessary, more so after international matches."