“The largest neighborhood in Europe” experienced an unforgettable night, one of those stories passed down from grandparents to grandchildren. Vallecas had never attended a European competition semifinal (two Copa del Rey semifinals, the last in 2022 against Betis) and dressed up for the occasion. Nerves from early morning, a mosaic in the stands, and a smile from ear to ear on the faces of its people, who supported the team until the last breath while the match became tangled and Rayo stoically held the lead (1-0). In a week, the spot in the final will be decided at the Stade de la Meinau, in the capital of Alsace. That could be a football war, judging by what was seen in the first leg.