Sevilla provided a performance against Real Madrid reminiscent of more prosperous times when they were winning more trophies and arguably playing more exciting football than any other Spanish team
The home fans in attendance at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuan came over all nostalgic and gooey eyed on Saturday evening.
Their team, Sevilla, provided a performance against Real Madrid reminiscent of more prosperous times when they were winning more trophies and arguably playing more exciting football than any other Spanish team.
They haven't had too many nights like these in recent years, and when they have it's always proved to have been a false dawn. Was this win over Jose Mourinho's men yet another, or are they on the brink of something special?
A 1-0 victory was enough to topple the mighty Real, and though they were camped in their own area for long periods, Sevilla deserved the three points and fanfare.
They were tenacious, aggressive, tireless and clever. Even Mourinho could not deny them of their moment, applauding their aggression and commitment across the course of the 90 minutes. "They fought for every ball like it was their last," the Portuguese said behind steely eyes while clearly wishing his own team had approached the game in a similar manner.
Don't cry Jose! Even Mourinho was impressed by Sevilla
Praise is a rare commodity at Sevilla these days. What made them so good during a spell which included back-to-back UEFA Cup (and Super Cup) triumphs between 2005 and 2007, hasn't been present for some time.
The fearless and frenetic swashbuckling football, a coach in Juande Ramos who let the players express themselves, and a scouting policy the envy of Europe. All those aspects either took a severe downturn, or disappeared altogether (like Ramos).
The ferocious Biris Norte still continued to sing their hearts out, but in between breaths what they were watching wasn't quite the same - their own relationship with the club has eventually deteriorated too.
Since the departure of Ramos they went through coaches thick and fast - and playing staff even quicker. Each new face brought with them hope but ultimately failed, whether it was Manolo Jiménez at the reins or Kofi Romaric in midfield.
Sporting Director Monchi tried to create a new Sevilla, one that was modernised but retained virtues of the old model. He attempted it more than once, bringing in players from Africa, Central Europe and South Americans, all attempts proved unsuccessful.
But the latest man in the hot-seat might just prove to be a wise acquisition. Sevilla are like many teams in Spain restricted by financial inequality: if your name is not Barcelona or Real Madrid you must seek out the hidden gems amongst the scraps.
Michel, the current coach, fits into that mould. There was a running joke in Spain that while he was out of work he was linked with every vacant post: 'favourite for the job is Michel' would appear in almost every article. It was somewhat similar to Alan Curbishley in the English press several years ago.
The architect: Michel is the man the club are hoping will take them back to the top
It was Sevilla who took a chance on the former Real Madrid icon though. And the signs are that slowly - with emphasis strongly on slowly - he is getting there. The players have great respect for him, and the work he puts in is considerable.
What he has perhaps lacked is stability within the club though, and with the latest overhaul of players he must find the right blend.
The issue of an identity is key - it's the holy grail for teams operating in this financial smog.
Valencia found one many years ago by implementing a policy of selling their best players to reduce their debt while also managing to maintain a competitive workforce at the same time.
Atlético Madrid are another, rather than with sales, they found an icon in Diego Simeone to restore the honour and meaning behind the badge on their shirt - no longer are they looked upon as a circus act.
Sevilla will be hoping they are next, and if they can maintain the attitude they showed on Saturday evening against Real Madrid, Andalucian eyes won't witness another false dawn.
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