The mother of the derby: I couldn't ask for more

First derby between brothers in 90 years

Posted Saturday, November 18, 2017 by Marca.com

For the first time since 1929/30, two brothers will come face to face in a Madrid derby.

To mark an already memorable occasion, with this being the first time Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid meet at the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano, the mother of the pair will be watching, and she couldn't be more proud.

Py Laurence brought up Real Madrid left-back Theo Hernandez and Atletico Madrid defender Lucas Hernandez on her own, and now she is reaping the reward of their success.

"When they go to the derby, I'll tell them that I love them, that I hope it goes well, and that they don't fight, as they are brothers after all," she joked as she spoke to MARCA.

"It's the first time that they have faced each other, so I will remind them to look after each other.

"It'll be beautiful to see them and, more than anything, I'll be proud.

"It's like I'm living a dream."

This is not just any mother, as, since summer, she has been refereeing this fixture in the living room of her house.

Now, she will see it on the turf of the Metropolitano on Saturday evening as they enter the history books.

The million dollar question has a difficult response, and Py would not reveal if she had any inclination to one side or the other.

"My heart is split, as it's with Lucas and with Theo," she said.

"They are my children first, sportsmen second.

"For me, there's no difference, they're equal."

In fact, it is not something new for Py Laurence to have to explain what life is like with two superstar sons who are famous on the streets of Madrid.

"People ask me about it a lot, but I always say the same, that I am proud of my children, that both are in big teams and I don't have a preference," she again repeated.

"I'm very proud and I couldn't ask for more.

A goal from each one? That would be..."

Whilst for her two boys the rivalry and tension between the two sides has become a part of day to day life, it is not something that she can understand.

"I can't live with the rivalry that exists between the two teams," she said.

"They can't either.

"They get on really well because they are brothers and they love each other a lot, logically.

"There is only a difference of 15 months between them, so they are very close and have been since they were kids.

"Sometimes they fight, but like any brothers would fight.

"At home we don't always talk about football, but each always watches the match of the other and they give each other feedback, criticism and support."

There is no getting away from football this weekend, though, for Py Laurence, as, whether she likes it or not, she is the mother of the derby.