The atmosphere was festive even before kickoff. The Desperdicis fan group and thousands of locals greeted the team bus with flares and chants. A giant tifo banner reading “Al·lucinem amb aixecar-la” (We dream of lifting it) thrilled the 6,500 attendees, making the crowd the 12th player.
On the pitch, Natxo González's men competed without fear. Sant Andreu started with brutal intensity, and Sergi García nearly scored in the first minute. Celta, featuring stars like Aspas, Borja Iglesias, and the applauded returnee Ferran Jutglà, needed the goalposts and an immense Raül García to keep a clean sheet until extra time.
The script was cinematic: Sant Andreu took the lead in the 103rd minute with a stunning goal by Alexis García, causing the stadium to erupt. Despite Borja Iglesias's immediate equalizer, the expulsion of Carlos Domínguez left the Galicians with ten men, suggesting an imminent heroic victory.
In Sant Andreu they did not win the qualification, but they won a night to tell their grandchildren. And that, in football, is priceless.
The penalties, however, proved cruel. After thirteen perfect shots, Sergi Serrano sent the fourteenth against the crossbar, handing the victory to Celta (6-7). Sant Andreu leaves with their heads held high, proving that grassroots football can stand toe-to-toe with giants.
