'I scored with my left foot, head and heart'
Hi culers! It is my pleasure to describe for you my experience, and that of the whole team, in Eindhoven. As we said before we left, and after winning the first Champions League in Gothenburg at the height of the pandemic, and following the disappointment of Turin, we were really looking forward to the chance to finally get to celebrate a moment like this with our fans.
Fans support in Eindhoven
We have truly felt your presence this season. You have filled our fortress, the Johan Cruyff, every week and have broken records each time we have trodden Spotify Camp Nou. We knew you'd be there for us in the Netherlands.
We knew there would be about 10,000 of you in the terraces. Some had even travelled for 21 hours by coach! It's incredible! On the day of the game we could hear you from our hotel. In the morning, over lunch, when we were getting ready to head to the stadium... The moment we got on the bus to go to the stadium was like magic. I didn't think we'd be able to board! There was so much positive energy!
What can I say about the game? It was a tough blow to concede the first goal so early. But the team reacted well with a recognisable, attacking brand of football. All the play was in the Wolfsburg half and we had some great chances to at least draw. But we couldn't do it and they then went 2-0 ahead. I'd say it was only their second clear attack on our area. But neither me nor any of my team-mates ever lost faith in what we were doing.
Leading the reaction
At half time, Jonatan kept us calm and told us to just carry on doing what we were doing. We just needed to make a few very small tactical changes. And the way we started the second half was the key. All of a sudden, with my left foot, my head and dare I also say my heart I scored the two goals we deserved and which brought all the calm back to our football.
We had a tough opponent, very physical, top quality, but we could sense we were playing better and couldn't let this chance slip. It was all about or winning mentality. Frido scoring the third was a moment of collective joy. The second Champions League was ours! When the final whistle blew it was an explosion of happiness. We embraced, sang, laughed, cried, raised the cup... And I had the honour of being named MVP of the final. And all of that with all of you with us. Celebrating together is something I can't describe.
I guess you can imagine the euphoria and partying on the plane home and when we arrived in Barcelona... The day after was memorable too. It's been years since the club last had a victory celebration in Plaça Sant Jaume and it was an honour to be there with the women's team for the first time. From the balconies of the Generalitat and City Hall we had such fun mentioning the Theory of 2 and congratulating Bruna on her birthday. Believe me when I say I'll never forget the looks on your faces below.
We owed you this. When an idea gets into your head, you don't stop until you've done it. Now it's time for a break. We'll be back next season with new challenges and targets. And I'm sure we can count on you being there too.
See you soon, culers! Congratulations, fans!