In the annals of Barcelona’s illustrious history, one of the most pivotal and decisive chapters found its culmination in the heart of New York City. This captivating tale, shrouded in obscurity until this weekend, dates back to the tumultuous year of 1937, amidst the backdrop of the brutal Spanish Civil War that had plunged the nation into chaos following a right-wing military coup spearheaded by General Francisco Franco.
As the flames of conflict ravaged the land, all national domestic football came to a grinding halt. Tragedy struck the Blaugrana when one of Franco’s soldiers tragically took the life of Barca president Josep Sunol, a prominent political figure who had ventured to the front lines near Madrid in a noble effort to visit troops. In the midst of this turmoil, the provinces of Catalonia and Valencia banded together to form a Mediterranean League where Barcelona reluctantly participated. However, as Franco’s forces tightened their grip on Catalonia, the region found itself cut off from the rest of the Republican zone, making it impossible for a second season of the Mediterranean League to come to fruition.
Left grappling with financial woes and a dwindling membership that had plummeted from 7,719 to a mere 2,500, Barcelona was facing dire straits. In a desperate bid to raise much-needed funds, the club embarked on a bold overseas tour with Mexico as their destination.
“The first two or three offers were rejected over a lack of guarantees, but Cardenas insisted and through Manuel Mas Serrano, a businessman and former Barcelona baseball player, he managed to sway the club,” explained a source close to the negotiations. “It is crucial to note that Cardenas was the president of the only democratic stronghold that remained loyal to the embattled Second Spanish Republic.”
The expedition comprised sixteen Barcelona players under the guidance of their Irish coach Patrick O’Connell, who had returned to lead the team amidst the chaos of the civil war. Leading the way were members of the ‘staff committee’ including Rossend Calvet, the masseur Angel Mur, and logistics manager Modesto Amoros.
The journey to Central America was fraught with peril and adversity. Commencing on May 18, 1937, the initial leg of their voyage saw them traversing northward by train towards the French port city of Saint-Nazaire. However, their progress was impeded when fascist warplanes unleashed a bombing raid near the Spanish town of Portbou, forcing the team to seek refuge in a tunnel for several harrowing hours.
Ultimately arriving in Mexico on June 8, the Blaugrana were greeted with open arms and hailed as envoys of the Republican cause. Their exhibition matches kicked off with a 2-0 loss to Club America, followed by triumphant victories over Atlante (2-1), Real Club Espana (5-4), and Club Necaxa (4-2 and 2-1). Despite a setback with a resounding 5-1 defeat to Asturias, Barcelona managed to regain their footing with a 3-2 win over America in a rematch. However, they faced formidable opposition in the form of the Mexican national team, suffering losses in both encounters with scores of 5-2 and 3-1.
In the grand tapestry of Barcelona’s rich history, the epic saga of their 1937 Mexican tour stands as a testament to their resilience and unwavering spirit in the face of adversity. This fateful chapter, which unfolded in the hallowed grounds of New York City, will forever be etched in the annals of footballing lore.
