Eagle-eyed Champions League fans would have noticed something rather interesting as Barcelona played host to Newcastle United. Indeed, the names on the back of the shirt were in different fonts – but there is a brilliant reason behind the change
Hansi Flick’s men were not at their best last week, but a late penalty from Lamine Yamal meant the first leg ended 1-1. More drama followed immediately into the second leg.
A fast start saw Raphinha score after just six minutes, but Anthony Elanga then netted to make it 1-1. Marc Benal put Barca in front, but once more Elanga hit back with a leveller. Moments before the half-time whistlte, however, Kieran Tripper have away a penalty, allowing Yamal to put Barcelona in front again.
Things took a turn for the worse from here for the Magpies as Fermin Lopez and Robert Lewandowski (who bagged a double) scored soon after the break, making it 6-2 on the night, putting the game to bed with an aggregate score of 7-3.
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Barcelona's Changed Shirt Font Explained
Amid all the chaos of the game, it was interesting to see the Barca stars wearing an unusual font on their backs. However, it was done as a way of honouring International Down Syndrome Day.
In a statement ahead of the game, Barcelona explained:
"A special jersey with a purpose, honouring International Down Syndrome Day and celebrating the talent of Anna Vives, an incredible artist with Down syndrome."
The club has actually worked with Vives before. They collaborated on a special shirt back in 2013 for the team’s Joan Gamper Trophy match against Santos.
Now, over a decade later, Barcelona are once again honouring the same cause, this time on a much bigger stage. As per Si, Vives, a vocal supporter of Barcelona, previously described the opportunity to work with the Catalans and meet the club’s 2013 squad as “the happiest day of [her] life.”
The new faces sporting her design 13 years later will hope to give her even more to celebrate on Wednesday evening as the club aims to keep its Champions League hopes alive.