In the realm of professional football, unusual kick-off times are not entirely unheard of. However, few games compare to the memorable night that took place at Camp Nou in September 2003. Here, we delve into the intriguing story behind the event, widely regarded as “The Night of Gazpacho.” Brace yourself for an extraordinary journey through time, as we explore Barça’s clash with Sevilla in LaLiga, which kicked off at the unprecedented time of 12.05 a.m. on a Wednesday.
Barça and Sevilla found themselves in a predicament during the 2003/2004 season. With the second round of fixtures scheduled before the September international break, the clubs faced a logistical nightmare. Most teams would play their matches between Saturday and Tuesday, allowing players to join their respective national teams afterward. However, Barça and Sevilla couldn’t agree on a suitable time slot for their game.
Sevilla’s insistence on sticking to their already printed Sunday match tickets left little room for negotiation. They also rejected the idea of playing the match on Monday or Tuesday due to the proximity to their previous game. Meanwhile, sensing an opportunity to take advantage of a weakened Barça, who would be missing their international players, they refused to consider postponing the match for a later date in the season.
Amidst the chaos, Barça’s vice president at the time, Sandro Rosell, had a stroke of genius. Faced with the possibility of losing the game without their star player Ronaldinho, the club explored alternative options. Eventually, they proposed a groundbreaking solution: kick-off the match at five minutes past midnight on Wednesday. Thus, “The Night of Gazpacho” was born.
Considering the feasibility of this unconventional idea, Barça reviewed sporting statutes and legislation. Once they received the green light, plans were set in motion to create an extraordinary spectacle that would forever be etched in football history.
The match itself became only one part of an unforgettable experience for the fans. Determined to ensure a strong turnout despite the late hour, Barça masterminded a series of incentives to lure spectators to Camp Nou. The club’s museum remained open until midnight, providing fans with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich history of the Catalan giants. Moreover, the echoes of melodies from three tenors filled the air, generating an atmosphere of grandeur.
To whet the appetite further, Barça distributed an astonishing 100,000 KitKats, 40,000 cups of gazpacho (a popular Spanish cold soup), 30,000 Actimel yogurts, and 25,000 bags of Doritos, along with bread and jamón (cured ham). This gastronomic extravaganza aimed to entice fans to participate in this unparalleled event.
As the clock ticked toward midnight, excitement mixed with apprehension. With Ronaldinho available for selection, Barça felt a glimmer of hope. However, the absence of their Netherlands internationals left them at a disadvantage. Sevilla pounced on this opportunity, securing an early advantage through José Antonio Reyes’ penalty in the 10th minute. Barça’s vice president Rosell feared the worst and exclaimed, “‘Madre mía [my mother],’ I’m thinking. After everything we have done, and now we are going to lose.”
Yet, on this surreal night, moments of magic were destined to occur. Ronaldinho, the enigmatic Brazilian who had captured the hearts of fans worldwide, prepared to make his mark. With the ball just inside his own half, he embarked on a mesmerizing dribble, leaving defenders José Luis Martí and Francisco Casquero in his wake. Building upon his audacity, he struck a thunderous shot that cannoned off the underside of the crossbar and across the line, sending shockwaves of ecstasy throughout Camp Nou.
Toni Juanmartí, a journalist who witnessed this midnight spectacle, reminisced, “It was an amazing night and an amazing moment. I still remember perfectly the explosion after the goal. When he shot, it was one of those where you’re thinking, ‘What are you doing…’ And then pandemonium.”
“The Night of Gazpacho” stands as a testament to the audacity and creativity of football clubs when faced with extraordinary circumstances. Barça’s determination to secure victory at all costs, even in the face of scheduling obstacles, resulted in a magical night of football. This unprecedented kick-off time reverberates through the annals of football history, serving as a reminder of the sport’s ability to transcend convention and deliver moments of pure joy to fans worldwide. While the early morning kick-off between West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers may capture attention this weekend, it is unlikely to surpass the extraordinary tale of “The Night of Gazpacho.”