A clearly visible tide, a massive clamor, and a large and unequivocal message. Camp Nou and the Barça fans spoke clearly and in Catalan to defend freedom of expression and the freedom to display flags. The independence flag has become a symbol to protest against the excessive force used by the National Police against a minor supporter in Elx who was carrying an estelada.

Playing and winning as a team. More than ever. For days, Hansi Flick has seen that the number nine he requested – Julián Álvarez – was unlikely to arrive. And for days he has been thinking, reflecting, and shaping how his Barça can aim for everything without the scorer he wanted upfront. He asked for Adeyemi and Gordon, pure electric versatility on the wings. And he thought of Raphinha as captain. The coach prefers to invest. To think about the future. And he has decided that, with what he has, he can aspire to everything. The German is not wrong. He proved it against Athletic Club. Generating more than ever on Unai Simon’s great night, impeccable under the posts. They were finally surpassed by Raphinha and Fermín on Lamine Yamal’s great night, who only missed the goal. Rodri debuted and Pedri shone as he always does at Barça. And, in defense, Xavi Espart shone again. Barça is a machine as a team. They have scored seven goals at the start of this league. And without a number nine.

The FC Barcelona decided yesterday to suspend the tribute that, together with the Spanish Federation, was going to be dedicated tonight to its eight world champions taking advantage of the match between the blaugrana team and Athletic Club at the Spotify Camp Nou. The players are the Catalans…

Real Madrid could describe the draw for their 57th participation in the Champions League as favorable. The Whites have avoided several favorites, and only the match against Arsenal and perhaps against Inter Milan seems like those that, a priori, Jose Mourinho’s team will find more difficult or even start at a disadvantage. They should not have the same problems as last season to get into the top 8 and advance directly to the round of 16. Interestingly, Mourinho’s Benfica sent Álvaro Arbeloa’s team to the round of 32. And both teams ended up facing each other.

The Champions League begins. Barça met this afternoon its eight rivals in the league phase of the top continental competition, which it has not won since 2015 and aims to conquer in Hansi Flick’s third year leading the blaugrana team. More experienced, more mature, and with the same enthusiasm as always.