It is easy to think progress in women's football is inevitable.
We all get sucked into it at times, attendances grow, TV coverage improves, England players have a bigger public profile than their predecessors. It is easy to feel things are moving in the right direction at home and that the game is on the right trajectory. But as everyone in the game knows - Europe is the real acid test.
For the first time in history Saturday's Women's Champions League final between Barcelona and Wolfsburg, eventually won 3-2 by the Spaniards after a thrilling fightback, was a sell-out. But it wasn't just the 33,147 inside the PSV Stadium for two hours on warm summer's afternoon that made this special. Over four hours before kick-off you couldn't walk more than a minute from Eindhoven Central station to find a Catalan takeover.
Barcelona fans of all ages and genders, were happily dancing and singing up and down the charming city centre, while there was also plenty of Wolfsburg green on show. Huge Heineken billboards lined up and down the main street with blown up shots of supporters.
One read: "Cheers to Anna. Who knows her plan in football. It's section A, row 4, seat 17," complete with an image of Anna fanatically cheering on her heroes at the Nou Camp. Clever marketing from a key UEFA sponsor perhaps, but this tribute to the fans who make these occasions, felt genuinely moving.
There was no animosity or tribalism between the two sets of supporters around the city. Just loud vocal support for their team, creating a lively atmosphere and mixing freely - exactly what European football is all about.
And these were fans that backed their side all season. Both had taken impressive away groups to England for their respective semi-finals, Barca knocking out Chelsea, before Wolfsburg triumphed over Arsenal in a thriller at a sold-out Emirates Stadium.
For every Barcelona shirt with 'Messi' or 'Puyol' or even 'Ronaldinho' you could spot three 'Alexia' shirts. Alexia Putellas only played injury time after coming on as a substitute in this one.
But the roar that greeted her arrival was a loud as I have ever heard for any substitution at any game I've been too. The Champions League should always feature the biggest stars and none shine brighter than the Barcelona 11.
Wolfsburg's colourful and constant support meant this was far from a one team show, unlike in last year's final where Barcelona outnumbered Lyon supporters by a huge amount in the stands only to lose on the pitch. When Germany international Alexandra Popp headed home to make it 2-0 not long before the break, they were on the verge of reclaiming Europe's top prize.
The complete sell-out and superb support for both gave this game such a main event feel from the off. But the supercharged atmosphere truly ignited when Patri Guijarro finished off a classic flowing Barcelona move that would have brought a smile from the great Johan Cruyff. When she then headed home only a couple of minutes later the roof nearly came off and momentum had firmly switched.
Fridolina Rolfo got a late winner that was probably deserved and sent the Catalans wild, although it was hard not to feel for Wolfsburg. The She-Wolves brought so much to the spectacle both on and off the pitch, but like with every final, someone has to lose.
Back home there may have been plenty of other sport to watch with a Manchester derby FA Cup final, the Epsom Derby and an England test match. Even elsewhere on the continent you could enjoy French Open tennis or the Spanish Grand Prix.
But if you were in Eindhoven on Saturday you'll know that this was the only show in town. Not one supporter will have left the Philips Stadion feeling short changed. This was football at its finest.
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