Football

So we got to the airport early on Friday, checked in in plenty of time and then waited. Flight was full and perfectly on time. Saw a few people I know. Coach to the hotel took ages. We were told that it was due to the match. Got to hotel which was convenient and clean. Had dinner with a Munich based client (Swiss). Heard that 1.4 million had applied for the lottery for Bayern tickets. Could have sold 4 million seats. 45,000 Chelsea supporters were due into Munich. The televised showings of the game had all sold out.

Up early next morning. Walked through town, amazed by the numbers of dressed up Bayern supporters already on the streets, lederhosen and all. Apparently wearing of lederhosen has increased significantly in recent years as a show of regional identity. Really hot and sunny day. Obese Germans stripping off in the English Garden.

Met up with some clients for lunch a little way outside the centre and then back in to find some friends. Missed them but found others. Was introduced to one person who, when he found out who I was got very excited and wanted his picture taken with me. He was able to cite my weather reports almost word perfect. Also met the chap who had been arrested in Greece plane spotting and released wearing his Chelsea shirt a month later about ten years ago. Fascinating story.

The streets were full. There must have been around a million people partying. All very good natured. Chelsea and Bayern mingling and drinking and singing together.

Back to hotel and then off to the Mae. We left at 6pm for an 8:45 kick off. Told it would take half an hour. On train. Two stops later it was packed and we were squashed. At every stop it waited for five or ten minutes and then, at one stop for more than 20. Sweat poured from everyone. An announcement that the train had broken down and we stepped off onto a crowded platform. Three full trains passed. Eventually they sent an empty one which took us all. Long walk from the station to the ground entering the ground we saw Harry Rednapp. Long climb up to the top tier. Seats three rows from back. Brilliant hot dog.

Dancers and display on pitch. Singing and chanting. Tension. We survived until half time. Just needed a break. Didn't seem to have the penetration that Rmaieries had provided. Robbed and Ribery were going no where. Despite their possession they did nothing with it. Solid defending. Just needed one break.

Then they scored. It was over. Eight minutes to go. Deflation.

We started to attack.

Then Drogba. Hope restored.

Final whistle.

Extra time started well and then Ribery went down. Penalty. All over.

But Cech saved and we were back in it.

After the the penalty our attacking flair died a little. We hung on just needing one break, the momentum was with us.

Final whistle came suddenly with no time added on. Penalty shoot out against a German side. They won both tosses. Going first and at their end. We had no hope. Reconciled to another disappointment. Mata missed. Game over.

Luiz scored salvaging some pride. Everyone was standing, probably praying. I sat looking through a gap in those in front of me. Resigned.

3-1

Then Lampard did a business like job and it was 3-2. And then Cech saved and our hopes were reincarnated.

A beautiful kick from Cole. Cech fingered the next strike onto the post.

Drogba.

We should never have doubted.

Mayhem.

We stayed in the stadium for an hour celebrating.

The walk

To the station seemed shorter but the train was no less crowded and slow. Arrived back at the hotel at 2 am. Quick time in the bar swapping stories and songs and then bed.

Up a little later. Walk around Munich in the sun. Coach to airport. Zola spotted and I managed a picture with him and Louisa before he was mobbed. Home in time to watch the repeat of the victory parade on Chelsea TV.

A pleasant weekend away with my daughter.