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MADRID -- Albeit that this Madrid derby was in the most lucrative and aristocratic tournament in the history of the club game, the 2016-17 Champions League semifinal second leg was neverthless a triumph for "street footballers" and their values.
Football at its richest, won by football at its most basic. A red-carpet night, decided by skills honed on black tarmac -- and all the more healthy for that.
And something I'm thrilled to report to you.