A gift on the night of the magical kings, but not a shiny one

The magical kings (three wise men) exist. And they are the protagonists of the most wonderful night of the year. The night dreams come true. The night when we are all children. The night where wishes always (well, almost always) come true. Even better is the splendid smile that breaks out on the kids’s faces when they open their gift. And how their eyes light up. With that brightness, a mix of surprise and innocence.

Thank you magical kings for making so much magic possible. Thank you for giving so much happiness. Thanks for so much effort. And thank you for your unconditional love. And eternal. Especially in these complex, difficult times. They put light on the darkness. And, although they go with a mask, they illuminate life with hope. In the midst of a pandemic, on the crest of the cursed Omicron wave, enjoying the illusion of the magical kings for one night is a balm in the face of so much sadness and despair.

The magical kings, I insist, exist. And they have that extraordinary power of being in many places at the same time. In a city. In a village. Near the sea. Or in the mountains. In any corner of the planet. Also on a football pitch. Where many dreams are fulfilled and spectacular gifts are made. As happened this Wednesday in Linarejos. The cup is a great opportunity for small teams. Playing a single match, and in their stadiums, they have an option to do business by filling the stands and, also, to make history by eliminating a top side. It is the dream of the modest teams in the first rounds of this competition. And more, on a Twelfth Night like yesterday. With Barça as an almighty (despite their current situation) rival.

Linares came close to giving Barcelona a shock. They went in 1-0 ahead. But Barcelona reacted n the second half. Dembele was electric, and Jutgla scored the winner. Into the next round of the cup, albeit without shining. A nice Christmas gift. You can’t ask for too much more from Barcelona in the circumstances. Winning is almost a miracle with so many absentees. And Araujo and Frenkie de Jong may be joining them. A drama…