Thousands of demonstrators waving "Estelada" flags emblematic of the pro-independence movement gathered in central Barcelona for a final "yes" campaign rally ahead of Sunday's planned vote. "In these hugely intense and hugely emotional moments, we sense that what we once thought was only a dream is within reach," Catalonia's leader, Carles Puigdemont, told the cheering crowd.

Catalans gathered in a hall at Barcelona's Miquel Tarradell high school, one of the designated polling stations, in a bid to prevent police from shutting it down. Referendum organizers said groups of activists, including parents and children, have occupied dozens of similar buildings across the region to make sure voting can go ahead.

Spain's government has vowed to stop the vote and declared it illegal. Thousands of extra police have been deployed to Catalonia with orders to clear out polling stations by Sunday morning. The region's police force has warned of the risk of "disruption of public order" if they try to prevent people from casting ballots.

A court has banned the use of public buildings "for the preparation and organization" of the referendum. Instead, Catalan activists have encouraged people occupying polling stations to get creative. Barcelona's Joan Brossa high school, for instance, advertised it would host film screenings, football matches and Zumba dance fitness classes on Friday and Saturday.

Despite the referendum ban and police deployment, Catalan leaders insist the vote will go ahead. They have set up more than 2,300 polling stations in schools and other buildings, and in recent days have installed plastic ballot boxes and printed millions of voting forms. Snacks and supplies were also distributed to sustain activists who planned to stay through the weekend.

On Friday, Catalan farmers on tractors trundled along Barcelona's boulevards in a show of support for the separatists. The region's main farmers union, Unio de Pagesos, said it planned to fight for "democracy and liberty" and would help to protect polling stations.

Catalan firefighters have also backed the secession campaign, pledging to help keep voting stations open.

The planned vote has stoked tensions among Catalans in Spain's wealthy northeast. Polls show the region is deeply split on the question of independence, although a large majority would like the opportunity to have their say on the matter in a legal referendum.

After making it into Barcelona's famous football school "La Masia" aged just 13, Guardiola eventually became an integral part of the first team. Between 1990 and 2001, he won six league titles, two Spanish cups and a Champions League title at Barca.

In 1992, Guardiola (right) also won a gold medal at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. His partner in crime back then was Luis Enrique (left), Barcelona's current head coach. They've maintained a close relationship ever since, adding even more anticipation to their Champions League match-up.

In 2001, Guardiola left Barcelona as the club's then-coach Louis van Gaal turned his eye to younger players. After stops in Italy, Qatar and Mexico, Guardiola returned to coach Barcelona's youth team in 2007. One year later he was named first-team head coach. At 37-years-old he was the third youngest head coach ever at Barcelona.

Straight from the start, Guardiola planned a future without stars like Samuel Eto'o, Deco and Ronaldinho. Even Superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who joined the club in a swap for Eto'o in 2009, did not stay long. Pep opted for team-oriented players who understood his idea of possession football and could deliver his famous tiki-taka style of play.

Guardiola's style brought success - in a big way. The Catalonian club collected 14 titles in four years as the club became the blueprint on modern footballing success. In Pep's first year in charge, Barcelona won it all: La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League.

Guardiola became a hero throughout Catalonian for taking Barca back to the top and putting an end to the dominance of the "Galaticos" of rivals Real Madrid. Pep became pretty much synonymous with the club and the whole region.

Guardiola's most prominent protégé was Lionel Messi (left). Pep put his faith in the diminutive Argentinean, and he responded by become one of the most lethal goal-scoring threats in ths game. Other players who rose to prominence under Pep were midfielders Iniesta and Xavi, defenders Puyol and Pique, and keeper Valdes.

One of Guardiola's favourite later pupils was Thiago (right). In 2011, when Guardiola won his second Champions League the midfield magician was in the squad. Pep also brought Thiago to Munich. When asked whom he wanted as a transfer, he allegedly said: "Thiago or no one."

After four years on the Barca bench, Guardiola stepped down. The constant stress had taken its toll, and the head coach needed a break. His last season at Barca showed it, as the club lost the league title to Real Madrid and was knocked out of the Champions League by Chelsea in the semifinals. A Spanish Cup was Guardiola's final trophy.

Guardiola's long-time assistant Tito Vilanova took over when Pep left. Vilanova was then diagnosed with cancer and treated in New York, but Guardiola didn't visit him, despite living in the city during his sabbatical. Vilanova died before the two could reconcile, and at the wish of Vilanova's widow, Guardiola was not invited to the funeral.

Wherever Guardiola is employed, part of his heart will always be at FC Barcelona. In March, he and his father watched the club's Champions League game against Manchester City. During the match he was as emotional as any supporter. No surprise considering that he's a season-ticket holder.

Now Guardiola returns to "his" team and "his" stadium as as Bayern head coach. For Pep, Barca is certainly more than a club, and no opponent could be more special. Nevertheless, Guardiola was keepiung things low-key, saying "It's just a game." No one is buying that.