Rafinha: It's normal that Real Madrid don’t want Barcelona at the Bernabeu

Barcelona midfielder Rafinha isn’t surprised that Real Madrid appear unwilling to host the Copa del Rey final, suggesting his club wouldn’t welcome their rivals with open arms if the roles were reversed.

Barca saw off Villarreal 3-1 on Wednesday to secure a 6-2 aggregate victory and book a final date with Athletic Bilbao.


Madrid officials are reported to have said they will not make the Santiago Bernabeu available as a host venue, having previously informed the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) of their desire not to hold any finals at the ground.

"It's normal,” Rafinha told a press conference.
"I don't think that Barcelona would be amused at the idea of Real Madrid playing in their stadium, either.

"We're happy to play in any stadium. The bigger, the better. If that’s in Barcelona, then we'd be at home.”

Valencia’s Mestalla now looks the frontrunner to hold the showpiece in at the end of May, with the RFEF having named a deadline of March 25 for a decision on the venue.

Rafinha, 21, went on to reiterate his desire to follow in his father Mazinho’s footsteps by representing Brazil after once again being overlooked by Selecao coach Dunga as he announced his latest squad on Thursday.

"I work hard every day. It would be a dream come true to play for Brazil and I work hard to get there. I'm not going to change, really, I have it all clear," he said.

"I have to prove myself in every game and I am forever hungry for more playing time. I have improved little by little, gradually increasing in confidence."

Rafinha, whose brother Thiago elected to represent Spain, has featured in 14 of Barcelona’s 25 Liga outings this season, scoring once.