Day (can't remember) - Camp Nou

Knackered!

Up early after a late night Friday watching the Montjuic fountains, splendid breakfast and then we walked to the Montjuic cable car where we got the first car of the day to the mountain- the views are amazing, despite the somewhat rickety nature of the trip. We walked around the Olympic park which had a sort of semi-abandoned feel, almost like a Scooby Doo location, we loved it - and more fabulous views as well. I will put in an extra of David having a Princess Di moment of contemplation, and one of the Olympic Park.

We explored the Gothic Quarter some more ( we won't be going to the club in extras), walked La Rambla, then enjoyed the emerging sun at Port Vell, but the main event was the match. Barcelona was surprisingly quiet (see extras) but when we arrived at Camp Nou it was already thronged. We were two hours early as there was a Metro strike and the concierge had warned of strict security - I took just my phone and some euros but we got in with no security checks whatsoever ( but if you wanted to go into the club shop it was like airport security) and watched Messi drive in (Black Range Rover) and the Madrid team bus arrive. Much jeering and chanting of abuse but ironically also much taking of photographs of the demons.

It was a perfect night, clear and mild, the sun set just before kick off and we were very excited.

David is a Madrid fan but obviously we kept that quiet. I'm neutral, I just wanted to see some goals. We saw 4 - although Bale's was mysteriously disallowed, and a sending off. There were only about 50 Madrid fans, right up in the gods and you could've heard a pin drop when Ronaldo scored - I thought it had been disallowed as well!

It was a long walk back to the hotel, the crowd was not exactly singing, but I observed that the Barca fans were very loyal to their heroes. No abuse was thrown when they were losing, Messi is still a god to them despite a quiet game. I guess when you've won the last 39 games in a row there's nothing to complain about. Except losing to Madrid. At home. What a night!

Thanks must go to a Spanish supplier contact of John's who sent us match tickets to the hotel - this meant we could let the receptionist have our tickets ( which I'd paid stupid money for!) - she said her boyfriend was so happy she thought he was going to propose. Perhaps not after the result.

So we are knackered. Bit of Gaudi and a walk on the beach today. Maybe some cava.....