The tunnel buzzed like a hive.
Outside, the Racing Santander faithful were louder than ever as they sang at the top of their voices, making sure the stadium remained a cauldron of noise as they roared their team on.
Racing Santander's players marched out of their dressing room grinning, chest-high like they'd already carved history.
They were determined to lock in and do the impossible.
They could feel the rust in this FC Barcelona squad. They could feel the weakness, and they were determined to capitalize and make history.
While Racing Santander's players were boisterous and full of energy, on the other side, Barcelona's silence was heavier. Hansi Flick stood at the center, his voice sharp as steel.
"You gave them respect they didn't deserve," he glared at his players, no sign of humor in his tone. "Now give them reality".
He clapped his hands for emphasis. "Press higher, move quicker, finish cleaner. And remember…" His eyes burned. "We are Barcelona!"
