Terrace Talk

May 21st - another unforgettable day in my life. It was the day I’ve finished my exams and my mood couldn’t have been better when I came home: CL final in a couple of hours, a couple of hours that seemed an eternity. I could have sworn the time was slowing down. I was very excited and couldn’t find my place. Manchester United playing in the final! I turned on my computer and made a playlist with all of my Untied chants and songs.

Because I don’t like the commentators from our National Television I decided to watch the match over the internet. I regretted this decision later though - ESPN. I found a stream and began watching. The pre-match was rather boring and useless for an United fan, with most pundits talking about Chelsea and how great they were.

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When the players came out I was so proud to see them standing there, ready to fight until the death for the trophy. I felt like I was among them. The atmosphere in the stands was awesome and I was expecting a tense match, with lots of duels, fireworks and numerous goal opportunities. I also imagined United going into the match with only one thought in their minds: win the match and get revenge. And that’s exactly what they did. At least in the first half, United was dominating the game from A to Z. We managed to score quicker that I expected. Wes had a throw in, then a one-two with Scholesy and Wes crossed the ball to the far post. At the end of the cross was Ronaldo, who brilliantly directed the ball in the back of the net with a very nice header. All Cech could do was to stand and stare.

Chelsea hadn’t given up, and at one point Drogba headed the ball across the face of the goal, Rio tried to head it away but, being under pressure from Ballack, he only managed to head it toward his own goal. Van Der Sar proved again that he’s a wonderful keeper keeping the ball out of the net.

Despite being ahead, United were still attacking and pressing, trying to get the second goal. However, luck was on Chelsea’s side this time, narrowly escaping on numerous occassions. At one point, Rooney played an excellent cross-field pass to Ronaldo, who crossed it for Tevez. But Carlos’ powerful header was palmed away by Cech. I really thought we were about to score as the rebound had fallen only as far as Carrick, but his shot was turned round the post for a corner.

As we were getting to the second half I wasn’t expecting anything from Chelsea, but they proved again that they have great deal of experience, and scored in the dieing minutes of the first half.

With Chelsea’s late equalizer I was expecting United to get back into the game and fire up one ore two more goals in the second half and put an end to Grant’s dream of coming out of the duel victorious. Instead, it was Chelsea who dominated the second half and they came very close to taking the lead after Drogba’s curled shot hit the post.

As the first 90 minutes ended up in a draw, they were followed by 30 minutes of extra time and Chelsea had another big chance to take the lead, in injury time when Frank Lampard’s shot hit the crossbar. It was the second time the ball hit the woodwork and I was afraid that they wouldn’t miss if they were given another chance. 7 minutes later Terry managed to deny Giggs’ shot, saving his team from what was supposed to be a certain goal and the winner.

In the 25th minute of extra time, Drogba received a red card for slapping Nemanja Vidic. Ballack and Tevez also were each yellow carded. As the ref was showing the yellow card to Carlos Tevez, John Terry spat at Carlos Tevez, but wasn’t seen by the referee. I think he deserved a red, but that would have unfairly spared him his future embarrassment.

The two extra-time halves ended as the first 90 minutes and we were up to a penalty shoot-out. I hate these shoot-outs so much because of the tension. I think my pulse was around 120, my knees were trembling and hands shaking. I was so damn nervous.

Tevez converted the first penalty calmly, like a true professional. Michael Carrick, the player I have begun to like very much of late, stepped up to take the second penalty kick and I was relieved to see the ball in the back of the net. I could have seen any of these two to miss the kick but I could have never imagined it would be Ronaldo that instead would faulter. The first thought that came through my mind after he missed was: “We’re fucked!”

Hargreaves converted calmly his penalty kick and in a way managed to calm me down. As we all know, the surprise was delivered by Terry, who missed the shot as he slipped across the Russian pitch. What was supposed to be his moment of glory turned into a nightmare. I suppose it was a proper punishment for his earlier behavior.

After that the two new youngsters Nani and Anderson took their chances, our legend Ryan Giggs was the last man to score for United as Edwin Van Der Sar managed to save Anelka’s shot and bring the Champions League trophy back to Old Trafford.

Manchester United – Kings of Europe… again, after 9 years of waiting, what a night it was. We managed to win it again, in a dramatic manner as it happened in 1999. I began dancing, jumping, singing as the players lifted the trophy. What a glorious moment for our team. The happiness on their faces was so contagious.
A wonderful night, a wonderful match, a wonderful trophy. What else could an United fan desire? The match was a bit spoiled by the incident with Drogba and Vidic, but who cares about that? We won and that’s all that matters.
Congratulations to all United fans with this season’s double. With our current squad I expect United to get another treble next season. Happy days for Manchester United and The Republik of Mancunia.