Nov 29 is a special day for Barcelona and Liverpool. For the Catalan club, it was the 115th anniversary of its founing. Meanwhile, the English team looked back on the same day 16 years ago when its iconic leader Steven Gerrard made his debut.
Happy Birthday, Barcelona.
To celebrate its 115th anniversary, Barcelona launched a social media campaign on Saturday, calling on its supporters to post a picture or video while making a "C" symbol with their hands over their hearts. Barca's players including Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernandez and Neymar and head coach Luis Enrique set an early example.
Using the tagline "soc culer", meaning "I am a Barca supporter", Twitter and Instagram have been teeming with pictures featuring the "C" gesture and tributes to legendary players and the club.
The Catalan word "culer", according to the club's official website, originally means bottom. The team's old stadium was located in Industria Street, now Paris Street, where the team played from 1909 to 1922. There was a wall around the grounds where spectators often sat. People walking by could see a row of backsides, earing the less-than-flattering. As time went on, fans and locals grew accustomed to the term.
For Barca fans, Nov 29 also signifies when Brazilian legend Ronaldinho, who spend his golden years in Barcelona, won the Ballon d'or four years ago. On the same date, a five goal rout over Real Madrid made it one of the most memorable Clasicos.
Based in a city known as the center of Catalan nationalism, Barcelona has shared Catalonia's historical intrigues, adding tension and drama to the annual competition with Real Madrid, a match known as El Clasico.
Barcelona was founded in 1899 by Swiss soccer pioneer Joan Gamper who later became the club's five-time president.