With Kaka of Real Madrid and Zlatan Ibrahimovic injured for Spain's big game between the two, it was an opportunity for two youngsters to make their mark ahead of the 2010 World Cup in June.
Fellow Brazilian Marcelo took Kaka's place, while Spaniard Pedro stole the limelight with Barcelona in place of Ibrahimovic.
Pedro, a former under-21 international, is a regular for Barcelona, and, in the absence of the team's striker, he would have impressed Spain's manager Vicente del Bosque after scoring in the 2-0 win.
Marcelo, 21, has made six appearances for Brazil's senior national team while Pedro has yet to be called up by the Spanish manager.
On Saturday, Marcelo surprised a few football admirers with the way he slotted into Kaka's place.
He was earmarked to replace Roberto Carlos for the left-back position at Real when he was signed in 2007.
But he has been used sparingly and as a midfielder at the club.
His new position has allowed him to do what he does best: run at opponents, find space and make timely, accurate crosses.
The last time Brazil coach Dunga called him up was in August last year, but he withdrew because of injury.
Pedro has had an amazing career at Barcelona so far. He was a key player for the Barca B team that won promotion in the 2007/08 season from Spain's Tercera Division to its Segunda Division B as he made 37 appearances and scored seven goals.
His speed and ball control this season have put him in pole position to be one of the few youngsters to be taken to South Africa by Del Bosque.
Pedro was promoted to Barcelona's senior team by his development coach Pep Guardiola. When Guardiola was given the top job after Frank Rij-kaard's departure, Pedro had the boss on his side.
However, Pedro did not get many games in his first season with the club, but at the start of this season Guardiola confirmed that the left-footed winger would be a vital part of the first team.
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