FCBARCELONA.CAT

19.12.2009 20:38

Zayed Stadium in awe at Barça

Roger Bogunyà (enviat especial)

Everybody in the stadium, apart from the Estudiantes fans, of course, was there to support Barça. When the game was over, the party began, and few could argue that they had just witnessed the coronation of the greatest team in the world.

Things got off to a rushed start in Abu Dhabi, because the consolation match went into extra time and was eventually won by Pohang on penalties. As soon as that game was over, the finalists started preparing to come out, and the atmosphere in the Zayed Stadium was electric as a spectacular pre-match show involved some 200 colourful performers..

Battle of songs

Much of the noise was offered by the Estudiantes and Barça fans and their chants. The Argentinians never stopped, although when the Barça fans found their voices, there was no doubting which set of fans was able to generate the most decibels. It was the yells of 'Barça, Barça, Barça!' that won the match in the stands and the goals scored by Pedro and Messi were met with considerably more celebrations than that of Boselli.

The loudest whistles of the night came when the giant screen focused on a fan that had brought a Real Madrid flag into the stadium.

Champion tears

Once the game was over, the first ever world clubs final to be decided by an extra time goal, there was an outpour of emotions. Especially from Guardiola, the mastermind behind Barça’s six titles. The Catalan manager couldn’t hold back the tears, and the likes of Henry, Ibrahimovic and Estiarte hugged him sincerely. It was a beautiful moment.

"Everybody dance now"

Then came the presentations. Carles Puyol, as winning captain, became the first Barça player to lift the coveted trophy. The, with the sound of "Everybody dance now" resonating around the Zayed Stadium as the team went on its lap of honour, Iniesta found time to remember Pinto, while Piqué led the team in its celebrations.

The lap over, all of the squad gathered in the centre circle, including Messi, who was a little later in arriving. At 23.07 (local time) it was all over and the players withdrew to the dressing rooms – of a stadium that now forms part of Barcelona history.