It wasn't just any derby. Soccer lovers had been talking about it for days in bars. After dinners. In their jobs. Those of Girona are cautious. But excited to ring the bell. Those from Barça were expectant, as they knew that something more than the rival who seemed to like them was arriving at Montjuïc. The conversations revolved around the same debate. Who would have a monopoly on the ball? Who would win the prize? And above all: What would weigh more, the history of Barcelona or the enthusiasm of Girona that for the first time arrived at Montjuïc knowing it was superior in the table and with football that is enjoyable?
With these unknowns, two games were played yesterday in Montjuïc. The one on the field and the one in the stands. After registering the worst entry of the season against Atlético de Madrid (34,568 spectators), Barça wanted to come back. And it achieved a slight recovery in capacity with 42,848 spectators. The statistics will say that it is the fifth best entry of the season. But they will also say that the 400 Girona fans who occupied the visiting area made themselves noticed. They didn't sit down. They were left hoarse and in short sleeves. Filled with so much enjoyment. Without the need to admire the other Catalan team. That is already past. Why if yours can't go better? For starters, they applauded the Tsygankov-Dovbyk Ukrainian connection. And they cheered loudly for the latter's goal. That seemed like the small Gaul redoubt of Asterix and Obelix. The one who looked for more allies among the infiltrators that were in other areas of the stadium.
But the derby of the stands was played by both fans. And, despite the defeat, the Barça fans were not left behind. He received Eric Garcia with applause, but that was as far as sympathy went. Afterwards he did not forgive anything. He booed Míchel's players from the moment they announced their names over the public address system until the game ended and defended his team face and sword. There was barely time to dedicate to the famous song Un dia de partit, which was only played twice.
Your most enjoyable minute? On the 18th, when Lewandowski rose and finished to tie the game. But little more. Gündogan's goal came too late. They did regret Miguel Gutiérrez's goal and of course Valery's third and Stuani's fourth who jumped the fence to reconnect with his team. Uruguayan! shouted the Girona fans. The temperature had risen. The cold, that guest that always sneaks in without entry at these times, disappeared. Even Xavi took off his coat.
In the box, the presidents Joan Laporta and Delfí Geli watched the events with certain butterflies in their stomachs. Wishing each other luck and, at the same time, hoping that their team would win the duel. They were not alone. The box was filled with political, gastronomic and sports personalities. Nobody wanted to miss the derby of the best Barça of the season against the best Girona in history that woke up even the fans of their fans.
When the referee whistled the end of the match, Girona's Gaul exploded and dedicated a huge wave to their team. Everyone with their scarves flying over the sky of Montjuïc. The staff, excited, thanked them. Míchel hugged his wife and his son. Nobody in Girona will forget this match. The day his team emerged as the solo leader of Montjuïc. The day the little brother grew up.
