Barca is down but not out

 

Ok , from the perspective of a cule, let's be honest: it was  not one  of those magical nights we've got used to with Barca.

Sure,  we paid tribute to that Victor Valdes block, celebrated Villa's goal, and forgot how many oles we cried- so many passes did Barca make, for long periods,  without interruption. But Valdes later let in a howler, Messi threatened but was incapable of delivering,  Pedro was non  existant., and Pique got another yellow card which means he will miss the second leg. In the end   our defence crumpled before Arsenal's counter-offensive. We missed the rallying cry of Pujol.

And yet thanks partly to the Arsenal fans, the defeat did not feel like a humiliation. The mutual respect  between fans of the opposing teams showed  on a crowded tube train to Holloway station, and afterwards in the stadium and its surroundings , persisted through the night. This was not Stamford Bridge. These are two teams that know the true meaning of good football.

I already have  a ticket to the second-leg in the Nou Camp and am looking forward to it. I have a feeling that the outcome will decide which of the two will reach Wembley.Barca not only should do it. They must. If nothing else I want to relish the sight of Pep Guardiola  lifting a trophy in the stadium just like he did as a player- with that other 'dream team'.