The shrill sound of the referee's whistle signaled halftime, the Valencia players began their slow march toward the tunnel.
Despite leading 1-0, their faces betrayed little joy.
The first half had been a grueling test of discipline and resolve, with two well-crafted goals from Valencia disallowed for razor-thin offsides.
The crowd at Son Moix, relentless in their hostility, made every moment feel like a battle.
The stadium erupted into a mix of boos and chants as the Valencia players walked off. Izan, who had created much of Valencia's attacking threat, remained stoic.
He ignored the jeers raining down from the stands, his mind already racing through scenarios for the second half.
Behind him, José Gayà, Giorgi Mamardashvili, and the rest of the squad trudged forward, mentally bracing for the war to come.
Commentators filled the broadcast with their analysis as cameras panned to the Valencia squad disappearing into the tunnel.