Hugs in the VIP box and tension in the stands

As strange as it may seem –in fact, it does seem so–, the boards of Atlético de Madrid and Barça are scheduled to have lunch together before Sunday's match. Relations have never reached a breaking point and, therefore, protocol rituals are maintained. And it is strange, I say, because at the end of August of this very year, and not five years ago, the mattress-makers' CEO, Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, let out the following following the Julián Álvarez case: "We are disgusted by the falsehood, the lack of ethics, transparency and professionalism, and we can do nothing more than insist that we will not negotiate with Barça under any circumstances". As much as they may have disgusted them two months ago, now they will sit with them and reserve a privileged seat for them in the box. How nice, how civilized we all are. Congratulations! In the stands, however, such a friendly welcome is not expected.

The Metropolitano is a hostile stadium for Barça and it does not seem likely that, after the frustrated attempt to sign Julián—which offended the 'matalassers' so much that they have been whistling at the player until just two days ago—they will now show themselves to be very friendly. The atmosphere will be heated at a club that is permissive with radicals and that has ultras in the stands occupied by the Frente Atlético who perform the Nazi salute with total impunity. Flick's side, therefore, will have to isolate themselves from this aggressive atmosphere and focus on the game. After all, they are going to Madrid to play a match, not to make friends. And to achieve this, they count on a reinforcement who was missing last season in the clashes against the 'matalassers', and whom the 'blaugranes' missed dearly: Raphinha.

The elimination from the Cup and the Champions League against Simeone's side occurred without the Brazilian on the pitch. Having just renewed until 2030 and already recovered from his last injury—after traveling again with his national team—Raphinha is a decisive player, not only for his goals and assists, but also for his competitiveness, motivation, and personality. Hugs in the VIP box and tension in the stands do not win or lose games. A footballer like Raphinha—especially taking into account the untimely injury of Rodri, following an incomprehensible management by Flick, which we will talk about at another time—certainly does.