Life's An Endless Journey: Kings of Europe

Out on this day, finally, the first outing i proposed for Mixed Rice turned out not only successful but also memorable as well. The last time i watch Man Utd played Bayern Munich in Barcelona home ground, i was 14 years old then, watching at home. 9 years later, once again, they fought their way to the Final and it's Moscow this time round.

They kick off at 11pm, Moscow time. It's the first time a Champions League Final is being played that late. I've actually proposed that we watched it at Alps Cafe but the sudden thought it the afternoon made me called them, asking for their opening hours. They told me they will be closed @ 1am. Stunned. I panicked. Thankfully, ShuXia scouted online and found several good place, plus the fact that she travelled there earlier with Delon to recce.

After rounds of meaningless walk, we finally ended up @ Chijimes instead. It was never meant to be. We found a great spot. We were right on top, viewing those projected big screen from below.

Top view down onto the Big Screen

By the time we reached there, the crowd started to pour in. Below at the cafe, it's almost full house. Whereas on top, crowds including us were seen taking chairs from a nearby restaurant which had already closed. We made ourselves comfortable before getting for that big action.

Crowds started pouring in while we made ourselves comfortable

At 2 plus, i'm already eagered to watch the match. The starting line-up is therefore being shown. I was indeed stunned just like anyone else, Park Ji Sung was being excluded. He's supposed to be the 1st Asian ever to played in the Champions League Final. He had even purposely fly his parents over to watch him played but sadly, he wasn't even on the bench. I feel so him but I'm sure Alex Ferguson had his own problems.

Starting Line up: (Top from left) Hargreaves, V.Der Sar, Vidic, Ferdinand, Brown and Ronaldo

(Bottom from left) Tevez, Rooney, Scholes, Carrick and Evra

The match started pretty in favour of Man Utd. They had their full attacking options. They attacked and attacked but somehow, not being able to break the deadlock. To be fair, Chelsea did had their chances as well, but was pushed away by Man Utd. Until 28th min, it was a throw-in. From Brown to Scholes and back to Brown whereby he then delivered a cross with his unusual left foot and found Ronaldo who cooly headed it goalmouth. Superb. The person who's being targeted to be marked rightly actually had the liberty to score freely. Well done to him, 42 goals this season and flying high.

42nd goal made sure he flew high..

Sadly, Chelsea managed to cancel out Man Utd's lead by scoring a goal after some wet blunder by the main defenders. 2nd half is pretty much Chelsea's game. Man Utd totally lost most control of the game so in the end, both were tied at a 1-1 draw while they awaits extra-time.

I count Man Utd lucky to be able to escape from losing after the woodwork saves 2 of the shots both from Lampard and Drogba. Now's the funny part, a foul somehow had everyone worked up. Pushes were all around and it lasted for a minute or so, in the end, 2 yellow cards and 1 red card was flashed. Ignore the yellow cards, let's focus on the dummy. Television replay showed that he slapped Vidic and of course, it was the stupidiest behaviour one can ever have in a Final like this. Shame on him. I was happy though seeing how he got his day ruined by his own stupidity.

Another issue now. Another television replayed showed that Terry could have spitted at Tevez. He's not being investigated. I had the liberty of watching that incident replay from youtube and i'm sure he did spit. Despicable i must say. Let's hope he got his own punishment as well now that UEFA intends to investigate.

The match was then brought to penalties. A cruel decider of winner. Everything went smooth until Ronaldo missed penalty. His theaterical actions didn't help. All the Man Utd fans at Chijimes were devastated, including me. I prayed for miracle for subsequent Chelsea players to missed but they didn't, until it was John Terry's turn. I really thought we are doomed. We had handed Chelsea the victory, but then, it was a great miracle. HE MISSED. Everyone at Chijimes shouted, cheered and boo-ed as well, it really shows that almost everyone there is a Man Utd fans. And so, the penalty goes on.

Reaction from those who's really expected to score, but failed...

It was a tough fight after the 5th penalty. Ryan Giggs (my beloved idol) then went up to take the 8th spotkick. He slotted it well and it's down to Nicholas Anelka. Somehow, yet again, i prayed for miracle to happen. Van Der Sar did something i've never seen before. He pointed towards his left just because Anelka was about to shoot, because so far, all Chelsea's shots were towards his left. That distracted Anelka and allowed Van Der Sar to make a save towards his right. Screams and shouts were everywhere around. I can't imagined...I was speechless. Finally, Man Utd was a champions after 9 years!

The save that saves the day for Man Utd

Everyone ran towards Van Der Sar, the man of the match after he saved the penalty..

At last, i witnessed yet another glory moment of Man Utd as they clinched yet another European glory. A memorable experience for me. Thanks to MR as well...