Barcelona boss Guardiola turned off the changing-room lights to show a seven-minute film before taking on Manchester United. The mini movie showed his players' greatest moments interspersed with clips from Hollywood blockbuster Gladiator.
The film showed each player in a Gladiator-like pose, scoring spectacular goals and displaying their magical skills.
The film, made by Guardiola and a journalist, was backed by the soundtrack from the Russell Crowe film before the final part had the Barca boys in tears.
With the last act of Giacomo Puccini's Turandot opera at full volume, the following message was emblazoned across the screen.
"We are the centre of the pitch, we are precise, we are our effort, we are attackers who defend, we are defenders who attack, we are respected by our rivals, we are recognised by our rivals, we are every goal that we score, we are those who always look for our opponent's goal, WE ARE ONE."
As the lights were switched on, several players were in tears before going out to take on United.
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This article has 4 comments
Barca were the worthy winners and for sure are the best team in the world this year by some measure. It was destiny, inspirational coach, football played at the best most aesthetic way with a team of local players playing with endeavor and humility. If Chelsea had got by them with their negative play and lucky decisions witht he ref themselves! It would have been a travesty...
Barca are the best team for a long time.. and I hope they can continue their magic ...they could prove to be the best team of all time..
By ricardo.. Posted June 14 2009 at 8:51 PM.
united are true champions, gracious in defeat & respectful in glory I have never heard united deem an opponent minnows. SAF shows full respect to every team he plays against even QPR & as a united supporter so do I. On Wednesday night My united team was beaten by a hungrier, tactically superior Barcelona & I say kodos to you Pep you went head to head with a legend & came out victorios, so well played & well deserved. & to Lio Messi you will be crown Fifa WP of the years to come lad you Only now need a World Cup winner's medal my boy you should've been in a red shirt but as Sir Alex says "you can't have em all"
By shudville.. Posted May 31 2009 at 8:28 PM.
Chelsea fans need to stop ranting and complaining about the referee and look to the future. Thats done and dusted, no one cares any more
By jerry.. Posted May 31 2009 at 3:47 AM.
Chelsea would have beaten Man U as well,and were robbed
by the worst refereeing in uefa history!
By awatson.. Posted May 31 2009 at 12:02 AM.