Not long ago, someone asked me what was the best match I’d ever seen. My reaction looked something like this: O_0? I had no idea. Who knows how many games I’ve dragged myself out of bed to watch (being in Vancouver meant games were broadcast as early as 6am... on Saturdays... aka, after a night out. Yes, FML). At first I thought, well, it has to be the 1999 Champions League Final. Winning in injury time is classic Man United. Or wait… perhaps the 2008 final? Crowned Champions of Europe, 50 years after the Munich Disaster... it was not only historically fitting, but also a game to remember. Intense, and a game of two halves - it left you breathless. Even a certain Russian millionaire was transfixed. Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, up in the VIP box, at times couldn't bare to watch. A red card, shots saved off the line, and a dramatic penalty shoot out - it had it all. At any point, EITHER Chelsea or Man Utd could have won that game. That makes for an epic encounter... si? Well, yes and no.
Yes, because that's pure entertainment. NO because I had about 12 mini strokes during the game that I would gladly do without. I watched the game in Sweden - surrounded by my guys friends who were mainly Barcelona and Arsenal fans (note to self: not a good idea). Friends and family were texting me from all over that night. Tash from Paris, Aji from Canada, friends in England, all checking, I assume.. that I was still breathing. See, in my book, a good game is when Man Utd gives a good beating to their opponent. I'm not a neutral, I'm a biased fan. If I wanted an adrenaline rush? I'd go shopping with a black card... in an ideal world, bien sur. I'm not tuning in for a "close" game - I'm looking for a one-sided affair where I can kick back, relax, and enjoy the show.
In the words of our dear Cristiano Ronaldo, “If I can’t outrun you, I’ll outmaneuver you.” Well, on one fateful night at the Theatre of Dreams in North West England, a well-known side was outrun, outmaneuvered, and simply outclassed by the Red Devils...
I remember everything about the game. The build up, the trash talk I got from pretty much all my guy friends, as Man Utd had lost the first leg of that Quarter-Final. I remember exactly where I was, and what I was doing – or not doing rather. It was exam time, and therefore, I was not at a bar, nor was I at my university’s campus pub where we normally caught games. Instead, I was in my apartment which I shared with 3 close friends, in our living room that boasted the world’s most uncomfortable couches. Seated there, textbook open in my lap, I'd convinced myself that if I was alone and uncomfortable, I’d be disciplined enough to juggle watching the match and studying....
Yeah, that didn’t happen.
20 minutes into the game, my textbook found its way to the floor - and I lost my voice.
Tuesday, 10 April 2007, Champions League: Manchester United vs. AS Roma
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Why is this the best game I’ve ever seen of the boys in red?
Because it wasn’t just any game, but a quarter final – in Europe.
Because the goalkeeper could only stand and stare as the 1st goal went in. Sliiightly hilarious.
Because it was the sort of attacking display that, a year later, would clinch the elusive European Championship.
Because the goals were harmonious - each aesthetically pleasing to the eye, coming from the entire team; the defenders, the midfield, and the forwards.
Because with each goal, you could hear the 74,000+ fans in Old Trafford come alive.
And, quite simply, because the commentator said it best... that night? It was a “Magical Manchester United”
