The match ended and Barça players were ecstatic. Cup champions. The formation of the youngsters against the best team in the world.
It was logical for them to celebrate in style. Coming from having won the Super Cup against the same rival, whom they have beaten four times this season, the last two by 0-4 and 2-5.
At the end of the final, euphoria broke out among the Barcelona players. Fede Valverde reproached Raphinha for his jumps of joy. "Are you serious?" he asked him.
He was serious. Consideration had to be given to the loser. The Brazilian was perplexed and listened to him, ceasing his celebratory gestures.
Valverde's Double Standard
What Raphinha didn't know is how Fede Valverde behaves when victory smiles on him. Then there is no need to show any kind of consideration for the rival and euphoria must be unleashed.
The Barça of the youngsters, with seven players eligible for La Roja, compared to three from Real Madrid, silenced many critics. After a week of receiving scorn from Real Madrid's media propaganda apparatus, they needed to vent. They did, even if Valverde didn't like it.
No one refused to shake hands with anyone, as Bellingham did in the corridor that Barça players opened for their rival. No one insulted the referee, no one threw anything at the official... It was a victory that left no doubts.
Unquestionable Victory Without Controversial Plays
Barça's three goals, legal. No need for penalties or rival expulsions. Eleven against eleven.
If anyone was harmed by the referee, it was Barça, being deprived of five penalties that were committed in Real Madrid's area. Real Madrid TV, the channel that bears Florentino Pérez's signature, doesn't talk about that.
Nor about the unsportsmanlike gestures of Mbappé, Tchouaméni, Rüdiger, and Ceballos who could have been perfectly expelled.
The final is now history and leaves the memory of this gesture by Valverde giving lessons in sportsmanship. As if he were a master in the subject.