FC Barcelona: The Story Behind the Game
After a very exciting match at Parc De Princes, the PSG and Barcelona match ended in a stalemate. For Barcelona, the game left a sour taste in their mouth. At the end of the game the Blaugranas were shocked by a late goal by PSG’s midfielder Matuidi. While the team still managed to score two away goals, the players were a little bit down.
The players took it upon themselves to let the world know how they felt and went on their official Twitter accounts to show their emotions.
Cesc Fabregas’ Tweet:
Hard draw on the last minute in Paris, again a decisive 2nd leg at Camp Nou close to our supporters. #ForçaBarça #ChampionsLeague
— Cesc Fàbregas Soler (@cesc4official) April 2, 2013
Thiago Alcantara’s Tweet:
Pagamos un precio alto por este empate. Esperamos que Masche y Leo se recuperen rápido. Que tengáis una buena semana todos! #champions #PSG — Thiago Alcantara (@Thi_Alcantara91) April 2, 2013
“We paid a high price for this draw. We hope that Masche and Leo have a fast recovery. Have a great week everybody.”
Andres Iniesta’s Tweet:
Gran partido, lástima el final pero vamos con un buen resultado y sabiendo que para estar en semis tendremos que… fb.me/HmNEsjZY — Andrés Iniesta (@andresiniesta8) April 2, 2013
“Great game, the end was a shame but we go on with a great result and knowing that to be in the semis we have to do it very well again. Lets hope that Javi’s and Leo’s is as minimal as possible.”
Cristian Tello’s Tweet:
Empate en París. Todo se decide en el partido de vuelta en el Camp Nou. Contamos con vuestro apoyo! #ForçaBarça #champions
— cristian tello (@ctello91) April 2, 2013
“A draw in Paris. Everything will be decided in the return game at Camp Nou. We count on your support!”
Even after the match was over, there was an even bigger story behind the game. The story of a player called Eric Abidal. The French man was finally cleared to play and was added to the squad for the Champions League. Abidal had a liver transplant last April, and hadn’t played since. A heartwarming story of perseverance and hope for anyone whether they play the beautiful game or not. This couldn’t have happened to a better guy.
In 2011, Abidal was diagnosed with a tumor in his liver. After learning of the diagnosis the player underwent surgery two days later. Many players and fans around the world showed their support and best wishes to the French man as he was going through difficult times. It was a showing of courage and buttress towards the player to let him know that he was not in the fight alone. The news was one that shook the whole footballing community and gave a different perspective in life.
Thanks to advanced medicine Abidal overcame the tumor and was cleared to play later on the season. That same year Barcelona was on route to winning another European Cup. In the final against Manchester United Abidal played the full 90 minutes. Before the game, Xavi and Puyol who had long captained Barcelona handed the captain’s armband to the French man and allowed him to become Barcelona’s inspiring and focal point through the match. The Blaugrana’s ended up beating their rivals 2-0. Abidal was the last man to go up the steps to receive the trophy and was the one who lifted it.
Abidal suffered a relapse when it was announced that there were still unresolved problems from the previous surgery. The French International underwent another liver transplant and was successfully done. After a long year of rehabbing and overcoming health difficulties Abidal was given the green light to resume his professional career and set an example of courage and hope to the world.
Abidal’s teammates could not hide their happiness about the French man’s return.
David Villa’s Tweet:
Un ejemplo para todos! Enhorabuena Abi!!!An example for everyone! Congratulations Abi! twitter.com/Guaje7Villa/st…
— David Villa (@Guaje7Villa) March 29, 2013
Andres Iniesta’s Tweet:
Lo mejor de todo, vuelve Abi! Grande! twitter.com/andresiniesta8…
— Andrés Iniesta (@andresiniesta8) March 29, 2013
“The best of everything, Abi returns! Great!”
Gerard Pique’s Tweet:
BOOOOOOOM! L’Abi torna a una convocatòria. Quina gran notícia!
— Gerard Piqué (@3gerardpique) March 29, 2013
“Boom!, L’Abi returns to the roster. What great news!”
Pedro’s Tweet:
Que grande @eabidalofficial !! Un gran ejemplo para el deporte y de superación personal. Me alegro mucho por ti crack!!
— Pedro Rodríguez (@_Pedro17_) March 29, 2013
“A great example for the sports and overcoming personal difficulties. I am very happy for you crack!!”
Javier Mascherano’s Tweet:
He is back. Congratulations Abi !!!!!!!!!!! twitter.com/Mascherano/sta…
— Javier Mascherano (@Mascherano) March 29, 2013