2017 Champions League Quarter-final vs PSG (La Remontada)

Lore & Background

The history of Barcelona has often been political. Though it was a club created and run by foreigners, Barcelona gradually became a club associated with Catalan values. In Spain's transition to autocracy in 1925, Catalonia became increasingly hostile towards the central government in Madrid. The hostility enhanced Barcelona's image as a focal point for Catalonism, and when Francisco Franco banned the use of the Catalan language, the stadium of Barcelona became one of the few places the people could express their dissatisfaction. The Spanish transition to democracy in 1978 has not dampened the club's image of Catalan pride.

In Their Own Story

The clock ticked past ninety minutes, the air inside Camp Nou so heavy it felt like water. Neymar stood over a free-kick, his eyes locked on the wall, knowing this was their last breath of hope. The ball curled in, deflected off a defender, and nestled into the net for 5-1. The roar was deafening, a primal scream that shook the foundations of Barcelona. But it wasn't enough; the clock showed 94 minutes. Sergi Roberto received the ball near the edge of the box, took a touch, and fired low past the keeper. For a split second, silence held the world, then Camp Nou exploded into a sea of blue and red, proving that in this club, hope never truly dies until the final whistle blows.

Reader's Guide

The club played amateur football until 1910 in various regional competitions. In 1910, the club participated in their first of many European competitions, and has since amassed fourteen UEFA trophies and a sextuple. In 1928, Barcelona co-founded La Liga, the top-tier in Spanish football. As of 2024, Barcelona has never been relegated from La Liga, a record they share with Athletic Bilbao and arch-rival Real Madrid.

Did You Know?

• The club was founded in 1899 by a group of Swiss, Catalan, German, and English footballers led by Joan Gamper.
• Barcelona has never been relegated from La Liga as of 2024.
• The club's first trophy was the Copa Macaya in 1901–02.
• Barcelona admitted its first female member, Edelmira Calvetó, on 1 January 1913, becoming the first club in Spain to open its doors to women.