The Real Madrid Foundation presents the Corazón Classic Match 2024 'The most charitable match'
"On Saturday 23 March, at 12:00 noon, the Santiago Bernabéu will host a new match for hope and for life," said Florentino Pérez at the launch of the match between the Real Madrid Legends and FC Porto Vintage.
The Real Madrid Foundation unveiled in the VIP box at the Santiago Bernabéu the 11th edition of the Corazón Classic Match: El partido más solidario, which will pit Real Madrid Legends and FC Porto Vintage against each other on Saturday 23 March (12:00). The proceeds will go towards the fight against ALS and the sustainability of the Foundation's projects. The event was attended by Real Madrid president, Florentino Pérez; Porto vice-president, Vítor Baía; and legends from both clubs such as José Martínez Pirri, honorary Real Madrid president, Emilio Butragueño, Iker Casillas, Álvaro Arbeloa, Roberto Carlos, Bruno Alves and José Bosingwa.
After the screening of a video with historic images of both teams, Florentino Pérez opened the speeches: "Four years ago we presented here what was going to be a new and exciting Corazón Classic Match, our great match for solidarity that had been held every year traditionally. Unfortunately, that match could not be played because life itself was paralysed by a pandemic that was to change everything."
Thanks to Porto
"Today, we return with emotion and with the same strength to our firm commitment to be at the side of those who need us most. I would like to thank Porto, one of the biggest clubs in European football, for accompanying us and for being part of this fight that belongs to all of us. You show, once again, your commitment and the greatness of a club that is the pride of Portuguese and European football."
"On 23 March, the Santiago Bernabéu, which is in the final stages of a historic transformation, will host a match that recalls another of the great clashes of European football. A Real Madrid-Porto match has always been a great celebration for football fans all over the world."
A charitable cause
"This edition will be held to support a cause that deserves all our efforts: the fight against a disease like ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). The proceeds will contribute to help scientific and medical research which is essential to fight this disease. There are many families facing a situation that is difficult for everyone. I would like to show our affection and solidarity for Miguel Ángel González, one of the greatest goalkeepers in our history, and for a former Castilla player, Francisco Pérez Durán. Both are now affected by ALS."
"We madridistas are very proud of the work of our Foundation. As I always say, it is the soul of Real Madrid and represents all our values: sacrifice, hard work, self-improvement, humility, respect and solidarity. On Saturday 23 March, at 12 noon, the Santiago Bernabéu will once again host a new match for hope and for life."
Vítor Baía: "We are proud to be able to take part in such an important event"
"It is an honour for our club to be able to participate in this match between two institutions with tremendous greatness and enormous cultural and sporting responsibility. A true example for our society. The real trophies we win are events of this nature. That is where the true dimension of human beings is demonstrated. We are very proud to be able to participate in such an important event with such a great club."
Exhibition
During the presentation ceremony, the VIP box at the Santiago Bernabéu hosted an exclusive exhibition organised by the Real Madrid Historical Heritage Centre, featuring historic shirts and memorabilia from previous editions of the Corazón Classic Match.