While Mexico prepares to be one of the hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, in the state of Sinaloa a much older sport survives: ulama, a pre-Hispanic ball game with more than 3,400 years of history that today fights to stay alive.
From the hallway to the hangover. From the tribute to the champion to a defeat in Vitoria. The one who needed it won, an Alavés with their back against the wall. And Barça lost, who had nothing at stake except statistical matters. Because the match at Mendizorroza meant the end of Barcelona’s streak after twelve consecutive wins and marked the first time they failed to score in the League since December 15, 2024. After 55 rounds of scoring, Flick’s team finished a match with zero goals. Losing also means that Barcelona can no longer reach one hundred points. But the lack of tension was logical and even predictable.
While Real Madrid was facing an uphill battle in the clásico with a 2-0 from the 18th minute, Kylian Mbappé was watching from the capital as he could not travel due to a hamstring injury. His trip to Cagliari (Italy) with his girlfriend Ester Expósito still lingers, and some disturbing images show him leaving the Valdebebas training ground smiling after Valverde and Tchouaméni fought in the locker room. It was a self-destructive week at Madrid, also for Mbappé.
Winning the League. And then, carrying out a renewal as eagerly awaited by Barcelona fans as it was desired by Hansi Flick, his family, and, of course, Joan Laporta. That was the premise Deco noted in his agenda when he heard the German coach say he wanted to remain linked to the Barcelona club after being eliminated in the Champions League quarterfinals against Atlético at the end of March.
Kilos of confetti and tons of excitement were thrown and collected throughout the city. Hundreds of thousands of people came out to accompany the parade, which confirms that Barcelona excites, that it has touched a chord and reaffirms its connection with the people and especially with the young culés. The streets embraced the League champions, the footballers who crushed Madrid in 35 matches. The most uninhibited fans identify with the fun spirit that this team exudes on and off the field. It is a champion with a lot of charisma. Or with aura, as they say now.
The Real Madrid of the second blank year, of the fight between Tchouaméni and Valverde, of Kylian Mbappé’s ‘mockery’ with his escape to Cagliari or his Instagram messages, of Arbeloa invoking the spirit of Juanito or the decomposition of a sports project that, two springs ago, lifted the Champions League, was born one fine day in May 2025 where Florentino Pérez and Xabi Alonso promised wine and roses.
Winning a league title grants a license for almost anything. As a rule, FC Barcelona would not look kindly on some of its players riding bicycles at dawn, or dancing in the city center surrounded by people. But with one more cup — understood as a trophy — the normally strict Blaugrana regulations relax. Also for the president.
If Hansi Flick’s office door greeted visitors with a motto, it could well be: “Delighted to be here.” What for other coaches could be a torture that changes their mood or even adds years to their appearance is a joy for the German. True, he is not always radiant. True, he gets angry when his players do not deliver what he expects from them. True, on the sidelines he gets upset over refereeing decisions he considers unfair. But, in general terms, he more often shows a smile, a hug, words of encouragement, and optimism. These are values recognized in him that make him a true idol for the fans and almost a father figure for his young protégés. The fans and players have comforted him in these difficult days, as his father passed away on Sunday. Even so, he remained at the helm.
El Camp Nou overflowed with joy. Winning the League after winning the clásico was a milestone that both the team and the fans celebrated in grand style. A celebration that has sparked reactions from various personalities. Among them, Pedro Sánchez, Leo Messi, and Ronaldinho.
It was not just winning a League. It was doing it against Madrid. It was not just prevailing in a clásico. It was doing it in the clásico that decided the title. It was not just any celebration. It was a unique celebration. That is how the Barcelona fans understood it at the Spotify Camp Nou, turned into a wave of emotions. That is how the blaugrana players interpreted it, who gave their all to not miss an opportunity that had never come before. Barcelona’s second consecutive League came thanks to two superb goals from Rashford and Ferran. The fifth title of the Flick era arrived with a victory over a shattered and disoriented Madrid, lost in their fights and lack of a plan. Barça’s third League in four seasons was unleashed justly, with the team’s best player, Lamine Yamal, enjoying it from the stands due to injury.
