Barcelona is blue and white: Espanyol lights up the city on its birthday.

BarcelonaOn Sunday, October 28, 1900, a group of university students led by Catalan Ángel Rodríguez founded RCD Espanyol. 125 years later, that club is more alive than ever and last night blew out its candles at an emotionally charged and solemn gala held in the auditorium of the University of Barcelona, ​​​​the symbolic place where the institution was born.

Nobody wanted to miss it. The captains of the first team, Manolo González, Sara Monforte, and Fran Garagarza, walked down the blue carpet on Gran Via, as well as former players from all eras such as José María Rodilla, John Lauridsen, and Rafa Marañón, and political and football representatives such as the president of the CSD football team. Also present were Emilio Butragueño, representing Madrid, and Rafa Yuste and Elena Fort, of FC Barcelona. Of course, also Alan Pace, who with a smile took a picture with all of them in photocall installed at the entrance.

"It is an honor and a great responsibility to be the president of this club in this very special year. Celebrating 125 years is extraordinary. I only promise to say little and work hard to continue making Espanyol grow. Long live Espanyol!" proclaimed the new owner of Espanyol, visibly moved, when he spoke at the event, broadcast live by El departamento de comunicación perico. To begin with, they reviewed the history of the club, recalling the UEFA finals of 1988 and 2007, the Cups of 2000 and 2006, as well as the tamudazo who led Barça to lose the 2007 La Liga title, and the era when Espanyol was the best women's team in Spain.

"An expression of Catalonia's plurality"

"The president of the Generalitat of Catalonia is a fan of all the Catalan teams, but Salvador Illa is a parakeet," said the head of government, who has been a member of the club for 25 years, in his appearance. For him, "Espanyol is an expression of the country's plurality" and an example of "passion, family, perseverance, humility, and a spirit of achievement." He also exemplifies "unwavering love," the motto of the 125th anniversary, illustrated by the embrace of Dani Ballart, world and Olympic water polo champion and parakeet player, to 20 members—with him there were 21, the club's magic number—who represented the "representing the" team. It was one of the most emotional moments of the evening.

During the gala, the captains of all Espanyol youth teams took a historic photo together to immortalize the moment and the importance of youth football at a club that's primarily educational. Quim Pujol, from the U19 team, also appeared, representing La21: "We all share the dream of reaching the first team, and every time we put on this shirt, we feel like we're representing a very big club where the most important thing isn't winning, but never giving up." Javi Puado congratulated Quim, who celebrated his 13th anniversary yesterday, summed up the significance of the anniversary: "We are a family that has been a family of love, passion, and history for 125 years. And there will be many more."

"Like it or not, Espanyol belongs to Barcelona."

"Welcome to Barcelona, ​​​​this is your home again," Jaume Collboni told the new president of Espanyol, Alan Pace, who He is in love with the Catalan capital"It's an honor to represent the city that saw you born, grow up, and triumph. Its 125th anniversary is a historic milestone for Barcelona. We have a relationship of love and appreciation, and that's why we wanted to accompany you on this day, making the city breathe blue and white," declared the president of Barcelona. Sarrià as an element of remembrance and appreciation of the city in Espanyol." All this because, as Elia Danon said, "like it or not, Espanyol belongs to Barcelona."

"This is an act of rebellion and patriotism. Yes, patriotism, because before Espanyol, another team had been founded in the city with a Swiss president, made up of Swiss, English, and some Catalans. And a group of university students decided to create a club that would defend the colors and crest of the city of Barcelona," says Teixidó, president of the Espanyol Foundation. His speech was the prelude to the most symbolic gesture of the event: the Torre de Glòries, one of the most iconic monuments in Barcelona, was lit up in blue and white to celebrate the 125th anniversary of RCD Espanyol de Barcelona.