RSA coach Drew Surwilo shows some RSA spirit at Camp Nou before the match.

RSA spirit was on display at Camp Nou in Barcelona, Spain, as Drew Surwilo, an RSA coach, attended a match on April 21 against rival Real Madrid.

“I felt like a 12 year old kid again! I could not stop smiling,” Surwilo said. “The stadium holds 100,000 people and the noise and excitement was like no other sporting event I’ve ever attended anywhere.” 

Surwilo was in Barcelona on business, and asked his contacts there if they could help him get tickets for the match known as El Clásico. Surwilo said he was fortunate to get “two prime tickets at midfield, just five rows from the president’s box. For a price, of course!” 

Games between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid are always lively, so Surwilo was especially thrilled to attend such a big match. “The energy was electrifying,” he recalled. ”Standing with and hearing 100,000 fans sing the FC Barcelona anthem ‘Cant del Barça’ is something I will never forget.” 

Surwilo, outside the Camp Nou, showing Barcelona fans some RSA pride.

Suwilo said the home crowd was nothing but welcoming. “When the people around us found out we were Americans watching our first FC Barcelona match, we were inundated with hugs, high-fives, and slaps on the back. Watching [Cristiano] Ronaldo and [Lionel] Messi live was a once in a lifetime experience. Ronaldo had a better day. His speed and skill with the ball is something everyone should witness live, but Messi is still the best in the world.”

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