"Real Madrid, even today, remains the club that sets the standard for world football, a legacy built by legends like Alfredo Di Stefano and through the contributions of Santiago Bernabeu," former Bayern President Uli Hoeness told Spanish newspaper El Pais. "I would be honored if you called me a 'Bernabeu' of Germany, but I absolutely do not wish to compare myself to him."

"Bayern has no reason to look up to any other club," Hoeness added. "There are four or five teams in Europe at the same level, but Real Madrid, I must reiterate, is something very special. Their legends, history, and aura set them apart. It would be a mistake to say Real Madrid is just like any other team. Real Madrid is a 'primus inter pares' – first among equals."

"Real Madrid is the most respected European club in Germany," former player Paul Breitner told Spanish newspaper AS. "There is a vast distance between Real Madrid and Barcelona and the rest of the teams. It's incomparable. I always say that Real Madrid is a shining star above the entire football universe."

Uli Hoeness during his time as Bayern Munich President. *Photo: AFP*

Uli Hoeness is the last influential leader from the early days of the European Cup (Cup C1), now serving as a member of Bayern's supervisory board and honorary president. He led Bayern delegations to Madrid 15 times for matches between the two clubs: 14 times as an executive and one time as a player.

Meanwhile, Paul Breitner is considered an iconic figure in German football history. He was a World Cup and European Championship winner with West Germany, one of five players to have scored in two different World Cup finals. In 1981, Breitner won the Silver Ball, finishing behind Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and ahead of Bernd Schuster.

Originally a full-back before transitioning to midfield, Breitner spent 10 years playing for Bayern and three years for Real Madrid. During his time with "Los Blancos" from 1974 to 1977, Santiago Bernabeu was the club president. The former German international always held a special reverence for Bernabeu.

"He was like a father to me and my family," Breitner shared. "He and his wife, Dona Maria, treated us with immense warmth. My wife and I still often recount our years in Madrid with great emotion. It was a wonderful time, perhaps the three best years of my life."

Former player Paul Breitner played for both Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. *Photo: AS*

Uli Hoeness shares a similar admiration for Real Madrid's legendary figure. "It's a pity I didn't truly get to know Mr. Bernabeu well; we only shook hands a few times," Hoeness stated. "He was a great, powerful figure. Such personalities live on forever. You cannot tell the story of Real Madrid without Bernabeu. Bayern is one of the world's biggest clubs, but Real Madrid is the biggest. Individuals like Bernabeu leave a lasting legacy. Football in the future will need such role models, perhaps more than ever, as challenges become increasingly severe."

"The respect between the two clubs is immense," Hoeness continued. "We greatly admire figures like Florentino Perez. The clashes between the two teams since 1976 have become legendary. When Real Madrid and Bayern meet, the entire football world watches with bated breath. The fact that after 50 years we still maintain such a prominent position speaks volumes."

When asked to predict the upcoming clash between his two former clubs, Paul Breitner offered a diplomatic response. "The only thing I am certain of is that I will win, regardless of the outcome of the Real Madrid – Bayern match," Breitner replied. "No matter what, I will be happy because I have immense affection for both clubs. While I spent more time at Bayern, my tenure with Real Madrid, though shorter, left a deep and lasting impression. My heart is equally divided 50-50. No result will make me sad."

By Hoang Thong