THE RED BULL WASN'T EVEN A HEIFER
We only needed a draw in Salzburg to automatically qualify for the Champions League round of 16. And since we were all confident we would achieve it and no one wanted to miss the party, we packed winter clothes in our backpacks and set off for the city of Mozart.
The train was the chosen means of transportation for most of us, and from Cologne, six of us traveled together. We had booked in advance and began marking our territory on the train by decorating the tables with the flags of the supporters’ group, on which we laid out an appetizing meal that sparked envy among the other passengers.
It was already late afternoon when we arrived in the city amidst heavy rain, so we headed to the hotel by bus. There, we met with a delegation from Atlético de Madrid; they were setting everything up because that was the chosen hotel to distribute tickets to the fans. We quickly checked in without specifying how many guests would be in each room and picked up our tickets in what must have been a small chapel in the past but now served as an office.
That night, we had planned a dinner at a typical brewery, the Augustiner Bräu. Many traveling supporters’ groups joined our invitation, and after gathering in the same room, the chants, laughter, and greetings began. The celebration of the Chinese New Year, which our dear Shuyao, originally from that country, reminded us of, was also added to the festivities. It is the Year of the Snake, and we all felt certain that this would be our year. Although the way the food and drinks were served was completely unfamiliar to us, we quickly got used to it, and everything turned out as we hoped.
The next day dawned sunny, and the reception was full of Atlético fans coming to pick up their tickets. At one o’clock, we had arranged to meet for lunch at a local fan zone restaurant, and we headed there on foot, allowing us to explore part of that wonderful city. So many Atlético fans showed up at the restaurant that they ended up closing it just for us. The food was delicious, the atmosphere was unbeatable, and the anticipation for the match grew by the minute. The fan zone was just a few meters away, and although there were no more than a thousand of us, we could already be heard loud and clear.
The appearance of our Juliana was stellar. Many already know her, they ask for photos with her, and they see her as a symbol of our supporters’ group, which fills us with pride. Even the reporters from La Sexta did a feature on her, and if she keeps this up, she’ll become more famous than Indi. Reunions, new members, new friends… a fantastic pre-match experience where I learned that in the absence of ice cubes, frozen Brussels sprouts and broccoli will do, all to avoid a warm cocktail.
The organization was flawless throughout, with shuttle buses escorted by the police, exquisite treatment, and crowned by a spectacular atmosphere in the stadium where everyone, especially Juliana, enjoyed the 1-4 result that guaranteed us direct passage to the round of 16. Atlético de Madrid is among the best in Europe. The shuttle buses took us to the central station, and we were lucky enough to let loose our joy by singing, jumping, and enjoying the moment. It’s not every day you see an Atlético match where they win without suffering.
The next day, we all left the hotel heading home. I’ve realized that life gives you gifts when you travel with Atlético, and this morning’s was a big one. While Víctor, a Madrid fan traveling with his son Guillermo, waited for the taxi to the airport, he sat at the piano in the hotel reception and delighted us by playing our anthem on the piano in the city of Mozart. Those of us lucky enough to witness that moment couldn’t help but cry with emotion. I can’t imagine a better way to end this trip.
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