Random Rants on the Beautiful Game

Barcelona's passion for soccer is easily visible.

By Chris Courtney
SoccerTimes

BARCELONA (Wednesday, April 19, 2006) -- There are a few telltale signs that say you are standing in the middle of a soccer town. Team logos seem to be everywhere and during game-time, the city flocks to either the stadium or into the bars, cafes, and pubs to watch the game. Kids can be seen dribbling soccer balls while they accompany their parents to the store while "the team" is usually the hottest topic of discussion.

You know you are in a soccer town, living out its dreams when, in late spring, you see silver cups and plates being raised in the town square to the delight of chanting thousands. There are some great soccer towns out there such as Milan, London, Amsterdam, and Las Vegas (just kidding), but the town living the dream this year is Barcelona, where every major soccer trophy in Spain has either arrived or will soon arrive (while a Champions League title might not be far behind).

Last week, Barcelona's lesser-known side, Espanyol captured its fourth Copa del Rey (King's Cup) in a hard fought 4-1 win over Zaragoza Wednesday night at the Bernabau in Madrid. Led by a pair of Luis Garcia goals and stout goalkeeping by Ivory Coast international Carlos Kameni, the club secured its first King's Cup since 2000, plus a trip to next year's UEFA Cup tournament.

By Thursday afternoon, the crowds began filling Barcelona's Plaça de Sant Jaume to await the arrival of the team and its newest trophy. By around 4 p.m., the buses arrived at the town hall where they were greeted by the mayor, governor of Catalonia and thousands of their most faithful fans. Since the town hall and Catalan government house are directly across the square from each other, the Espanyol faithful were treated to team greetings and thanks from both balconies. The racist Espanyol fans previously reported in this column were nowhere in sight as Carlos Kameni was serenaded no less than three times, more than any other player.

During the celebrations, the Copa del Rey itself spent much time barely perched on the railing, leaving a few onlookers to wonder when it would drop the 30 feet to the cobblestones. Luckily, the Cup survived to be carried onward to the club's Montjuïc home where the party carried on well into the night. Alas, this was not the only piece of silver lifted above the crowd that day. One week earlier, the Espanyol women's team captured the Spanish women's league title, so the city invited them as well to celebrate their victory. Two teams, two trophies. Not bad for the city's "lesser" club.

Even larger celebrations are expected sometime in two weeks when FC Barcelona is expected to clinch its second straight Spanish Primera championship, possibly after its May 6 match against, you guessed it, crosstown rival Espanyol. The on-field magic of Ronalidihno, Lionel Messi, Samuel Eto'o, Deco, Iniesta, Raphael Marquez, and others has left the Spanish league in its wake as the Catalan giant pulled away from rivals Real Madrid and Valencia.

Despite its success in Spain, Barca's ambition remains unfulfilled until it wins the Champions League (and not just this year). Barcelona made a strong statement in Tuesday night's 1-0 victory over AC Milan at the San Siro. Playing without Deco and a resting Messi, the Catalan side weathered a few dangerous Milan chances before (and after) an excellent through ball from Ronaldinho found French international Ludovic Giuly who made no mistake by blasting the ball into the upper left corner of Dida's goal.

Despite a few early gaffes, Barcelona showed its true class once again and beat a quality Milan side with excellent organization, passing, substitutions and a bit of luck. It has a chance to move closer to yet another trophy next week when AC Milan comes to the Nou Camp for the home leg of the Champions League semifinal. There is more than a bit of soccer left to be played, but I think they'll continue to lift the silver in Barcelona this spring.

Meanwhile, Espanyol's dream ride ended abruptly in a 4-0 thrashing at second-place Valencia Saturday. It is now fighting against relegation and realistically must win four points in their final four games to stay in the Primera.

Tickets to FC Barcelona's matches remain a challenge for its fans to obtain because 125,000 club members have first pick of seats in the 100,000 seat Nou Camp stadium where tickets can cost up to $700 for Barcelona-Real Madrid matches and over $150 for other games (assuming you get the chance to buy one). More than a few longtime city residents have seldom had the chance to see the legendary team play live.

This August, Major League Soccer fans in New Jersey, Los Angeles and Houston will have a better chance than the average Barcelona resident to see one of the world's best teams, and for far less money. I suggest you buy your tickets now before the word gets out back in Spain -- you just never know.

Chris Courtney is an expatriate American living in Brussels, Belgium. E-mail Chris Courtney.