Champions League Final, Germany's Olympic Stadium
8:48:23 p.m., June 6.
When Rakitić suddenly made a run from outside the penalty area, appeared inside Real Madrid's six-yard box, received Iniesta's cross, and swept the ball into Real Madrid's goal with his left foot, the entire stadium presented an extremely bizarre sight.
The stands occupied by the Real Madrid fans, who made up more than half the crowd, fell utterly silent, while the stands filled with Barcelona fans erupted in cheers and applause like the collapse of mountains and the cracking of the earth. Every Barcelona fan frantically rushed out of their seat, screaming at the top of their lungs.
On the pitch, after sweeping the ball into the net, Rakitić turned and kissed the ring finger of his right hand before sprinting toward the sidelines. Barcelona's players ran toward him one after another, eager to celebrate this brilliant goal with him.
This was the first shot either side had taken in the match. Barcelona had attacked only once, yet they had already pierced Real Madrid's goal.
Faced with a shot from such close range, Courtois had truly been powerless. His face was filled with frustration.
Without a doubt, it was a brilliant goal—and an utterly unexpected attack!
Barcelona's starting lineup for this match was no surprise. Ter Stegen was in goal, with Alba, Mathieu, Pique, and Alves forming the back line. Busquets sat deep, Iniesta and Rakitić occupied the center, and the front three consisted of Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Messi.
Compared with Real Madrid, Barcelona had a fully fit squad, with no injuries or illnesses. On top of that, the Champions League had amended its rules this season, so none of their players were suspended. They faced Real Madrid with a full-strength lineup and had entered the match at