Sant Joan DespíBarça have had the perfect season. The league has lowered the curtain on Johan Cruyff with a lot of victories: of 30 matches played in domestic competition, 30 victories. Atletico Madrid, despite the need to add a point to play in the Champions League next season, has not shown opposition to a strong Barça that has spared no effort despite having the Champions League final in less than a week . The 90 minutes of the match were the centerpiece on which they pivoted moments that will remain in the memory of those present: Melanie Serrano said goodbye to professional football in front of a Johan Cruyff delivered and excited by the legend of Catalonia.
Barça is a bulldozer. With the domestic competition in their pocket for weeks – and with six days left – the Catalan team has kept its hunger for victories and goals intact. Atletico Madrid have tried to tickle him on the last day given his extreme situation: either he took Johan’s points or said goodbye to the Champions League next season. The mattress set needed to survive Johan, the Catalan fort, but this is no trifle. It is no coincidence that no team has been able to join the Catalan stadium. With Jonatan Giráldez in the stands, sanctioned, the Catalan team has put the live without hesitation.
Barça have gone green as if the three points were crucial for the title. Without saving anything, the locals have come out to press and with total control of the ball. With the ball stuck to the Catalan feet, it didn’t take long for Barça to score the first goal. Irene Paredes finished off a corner served by Mapi León to advance the team and break a new record: 209 goals in all competitions, a new historic milestone for Barça. In 44 matches, the current European champions have broken their own record of the previous season by needing fewer matches (47). That scoring figure, however, was yet to grow. Aitana Bonmatí tricked the keeper into the box by putting a volley shot away on a pass from the outside. Lola Gallardo, who often relies on his speed, had a rotten day on the drenched grass.
With the Catalan domain intact, a more diffuse second part has begun. The arrivals, although dangerous, have not been lethal and even Alexia Putellas has not been able to finish from eleven meters. The Barça captain could not beat Lola Gallardo, who managed to make the goal tiny and her shot on the left post did not end in the net, but in the gloves of the Madrid goalkeeper. This has been the starting point for the mattress reaction attempt. Amanda Sampedro shortened his distance after a misunderstanding in the home side’s central defense.
The Catalans, uncomfortable with the tight result, tried to intensify their attack when Jenni Hermoso was replaced. The Madrilenian has left the green with her head bowed, excited, and applauding Johan for her support in a change that has had a farewell air. The striker has not yet renewed with Barça and his whole family has come to Johan Cruyff in what may have been his last match at the stadium. The player who has surely lived her last game as a player – and a professional player – has been Melanie Serrano. The Sevillian announced on Friday that it was time to hang up his boots after 18 seasons at the club and his teammates have wanted to make his last entry on the pitch an unforgettable moment. The 22 players formed a corridor while the whole Johan Cruyff stood up to applaud the footballer who has been part of the growth of the club of his life.
On the day that Johan hosted his second best entry of the season (5,179 spectators), Melanie Serrano said goodbye to what had been her home for so many years. The season, however, is not over yet and in Turin Barça will have another chance to make history and lift their second Champions League.
