<
>

Thomas Vermaelen's Clasico surprise for kids before Real showdown

Barcelona supporters were delivered an early Christmas gift on Saturday as they watched their team waltz to a 3-0 win over Real Madrid in the Clasico and thus extend their lead over their rivals to 14 points in La Liga.

However, the biggest cheer among the Barca faithful came not from inside the Bernabau, but from inside the living room of Thomas Vermaelen before kick-off.

As the teams were being announced on television, Vermaelen's three young kids spotted their father in the back four and immediately started shouting at the screen.

Seems they were as surprised as any of us that the injury-troubled Belgian defender had made the starting lineup in such an important match.