‘The magic night goes beyond the pitch’ | OneFootball

I often say that football forges character. It’s our first passion and teaches us, from a very young age, that life isn’t made up only of good moments. Quite the opposite. Every Wednesday and Sunday we’re subject to disappointment, but we’re always there regardless of the color of the jersey. Luckily, the green guides us and hope walks alongside us.

The first phone call, moments after the thrashing in Ecuador, brought the most expected reaction from a ten-year-old child: “It’s over. There’s no way. I don’t want to go to the return match anymore.” The reaction from someone who’s already over 40 was to show that you always need to stand by those you love, even in a difficult situation.

Abel Ferreira’s speech at the press conference after the weekend’s draw served as an example. “See how you need to believe? Look at Abel asking for the fans’ support and we’ll be there to do our part.” The response, coming from someone more interested in their phone, was a simple “I get it.”

There are many things in life and in football that can’t be understood. How can an undefeated team in the Libertadores get thrashed right in the semifinals? But thankfully, there are still 90 minutes left in the return leg at Allianz Parque, right?

The closer the decisive match got, the feeling of “it’s not going to happen” turned into being part of a magical night. One goal, then another, and the reaction was that magic was in the air. The photo above is the realization of something that once seemed impossible. The first hug, choked with emotion, was a release. Never doubt the love you carry in your chest and your green soul.

It’s been ten years and 15 titles. Football, just like life, has shown that you don’t always need to lift a trophy to experience an unforgettable night.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.