While in Madrid they're still waiting for their stars to perform as expected in big matches, in Barcelona there's a very different feeling.
Marcus Rashford's arrival hasn't just brought a breath of fresh air. It has also triggered a memory that many Culers keep very much alive: the day he knocked Kylian Mbappé out of the competition.
It wasn't just any match. It was a Champions League knockout round that went down in history. It was also a statement of intent from the Englishman, who that night showed he can make the difference in the most demanding moments.
Now, that character is coming to Barça. It's happening at the best possible time.
That magical night in Paris
The year was 2019. Manchester United arrived at Parc des Princes with everything against it.
Mbappé's PSG had won 2-0 at Old Trafford (0-2) and seemed to have qualification in its pocket. But Rashford had other plans.
Highlights | Solskjaer's young stars stun PSG! | PSG 1-3 Manchester United | UEFA Champions League
After a solid performance from his team and mistakes from the opponent, the 94th minute arrived. Penalty for United. The pressure was at its peak.
The young Rashford, who was only 21 years old, took responsibility. He stood in front of Buffon and didn't flinch.
He struck with conviction and sent his team through. Mbappé, powerless, was left out.
That day, an elite footballer was born. Now that same character is landing at Camp Nou.
A Barça that knows how to compete
Rashford isn't coming alone. He's joining a team that has already shown it knows how to compete against the best. Last season, Barça won all four Clásicos against Real Madrid, and some of them were true exhibitions.
With Xavi first and Flick later, the group has shown a personality that recalls the club's best eras.
Now, with a motivated Rashford and unfinished business with Mbappé, Barça gains a profile it didn't have: power, directness, and a nose for goal.
Rashford is a footballer who has shined in the Premier League, who has beaten PSG in Paris, and who is joining a club that fears no one.
The Day Marcus Rashford Showed Kylian Mbappe and Neymar Jr Who is The Boss
A message for Europe
The fact is not minor. Rashford has already eliminated Mbappé in the Champions League and didn't back down. Now they'll be direct rivals in Spain.
The Englishman, at Barça. The Frenchman, at Madrid. Two opposite styles, two stars with very different goals.
Barça doesn't sign names, it signs attitude. Rashford has all that's needed to succeed. Barcelona fans are excited about his arrival.
Not just because of his quality, but because they know he doesn't shrink from anyone. Not even Florentino's idol.
Rashford has no alternatives: either he succeeds at Barça and gets his career back on track or he sinks completely. If Flick wanted players hungry for glory, Rashford is the chosen one.