The players are in the shaft and three Barcelona associates take the chance to meet and welcome. Sánchez, Alves and Neymar imparted a couple of words and a bit of snuggle — analyzings hairdos, maybe. Without a doubt, they're Companions now, however in under 10 minutes they will be kicking strips out of one another. Will they be companions after?

Time for the hymns. A huge Chile unforeseen has made the excursion over the Andes to help La Roja. It's a sprightly old tune, the Chilean national song of praise. Players and fans keep singing much after the band has completed and are met by a wave of boos and shrieks from the home backing. Here comes the Brazilian form. Each Brazilian — in addition to the mascots and a decent parcel of the swarm — sashs it out. Luiz, as is his wont, looks especially wild. Amazing. That made the hair remained on end (even Luiz's, you expect)