There is no stopping the voice if it doesn't say enough. The 94,902 that thundered at the Camp Nou almost held out until the end. Transmitting all his strength, support and passion. Trying to unhing Real Madrid. Cheering on Xavi's men. Heating up an atmosphere that sought to demonstrate to the Barcelona squad that, beyond the concerns generated by institutional noise, there is also another type of hubbub that traps, seduces, excites and reminds us that the essence and raison d'être of FC Barcelona continue being the sport. Although sometimes it's hard to remember. In the first part, the stands cheered and enjoyed the team's game. In the second he suffered and went out with him. He held out as long as he could.
The classic was served between the usual songs and a fiery and deafening symphony reserved for big events. Freed from mosaics and cardboard, Barcelona fans began their liturgy by singing the anthem a cappella. Helped by excellent control of the blaugrana public address system that went off to give him all the prominence. Like "chicken skin", as Johan Cruyff would say.
One more day it was the animation stands that directed the orchestra. Chaining the “i si tots animem guanyarem” with the “un dia de partit”. The rest of the fans followed his rhythm while the instinct put the rest. If it was necessary to undermine the morale of Real Madrid when Vinícius or Benzema took possession of the ball, the decibels increased. If Martínez Munuera had to be questioned when he showed Xavi the yellow card for protesting a foul on Kessié, the whistling increased, creating an unbearable atmosphere.
If it was necessary to encourage Araújo or Gavi in their comings and goings with Vinícius, their names were chanted. And in passing they reminded the youth squad player in the 30th minute, the one with the number that he must now wear again, that in Barcelona they do like his way of playing and feeling football. The youth squad's energy infects everyone. His frustration, too.
Meanwhile, in Paris, Leo Messi watched the classic. The Argentine, whenever Parisian football allows him to, never misses the games of his former team. And he even discusses them with Xavi Hernández. In the Kings League, the public that came to witness Piqué's show already chanted his name. The initiative was promoted by Kun Agüero, his friend. Yesterday, the Kun was also in the box. But he didn't need to take any megaphone. The culé instinct spoke again for itself. And for the first time since he left Barcelona, Messi was able to hear how the Camp Nou demanded his return, chanting his name in the 10th minute. They continue to consider him the best. In the box the president Joan Laporta smiled. The machinery to recover the Argentine has been underway for days. And judging by the reaction of the fans, the idea of being able to celebrate his goals again is most gratifying.
Especially when the many Real Madrid players arrived. With the third, fear seized the stadium. The atmosphere cooled and decayed when Barça lost control of the situation. He started the animation stands again trying to revive the vital signs of the Camp Nou singing the Cant del Barça. He got it halfway. Because then came the fourth and final goal. A complete hack. The stadium emptied out, and the second best entry of the season ceased to be. The brave men who supported Xavi's team to the end greeted him with applause. Embracing him also in defeat. And whistling at Real Madrid when Ancelotti's team celebrated their success. As both teams filed off the field, the voices trailed off.
