While the tunnels of the Allianz Arena thrummed with the low hum of preparation, outside, a restless sea of supporters swelled with anticipation, colours split between the red-and-blue of Barcelona and the red-and-white of Arsenal.
Flags swayed, scarves twisting in the air while drums rumbled from the stands.
It was the kind of electricity that prickled against the skin, one you felt even if you couldn't hear the sound.
Then, the stadium announcer's voice boomed through the sound system, deep and commanding, echoing across the dome.
"Seid ihr bereit?"
(Are you ready?)
The German words carried with them the rhythm of command as the Munich faithful in attendance, those neutral locals who had bought tickets months before, roared back with a thunderous "JA!" that seemed to rattle the steel above their heads.
Without missing a beat, the announcer switched tongues.
"¿Están listos?"
(Are you ready?)
