Bratwurst, enthusiasm and yellow love – how London turned German
London wakes up me up at 10 in the morning and the first thing I see after opening my eyes are supporters of both Champions League finalists – Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich. The view of yellow-black and red jerseys and their owners greeting each other, happily wandering around the town makes me wish to start every day being surrounded by this atmosphere.
First stop – UEFA Champions Festival
The annual celebration of the final takes place at The International Quarter next to the Olympic Park, which hosted the London 2012 Olympics. With a view over the Olympic Stadium all the young and old football fans are able to find something for themselves. Some join the massive queue to take a picture with the Champions League trophies, some visit the museum, while others are wandering around taking part in various sporting activities. However, what sets my own target is a voice that sounds over the speakers and calls everyone to join the Ultimate Champions Match.
The likes of Luis Figo, Edvin van der Sar, Frederik Ljungberg, Cafu, Fabio Cannavaro or Christian Karambeu are closely guarded by the stewards, who even need to pull people out of the fences. The crowds is massive. The lucky fans manage to get to the seats having a clear view on the pitch, while others, including me, are trying to watch the game behind a see of faces and arms. Step-by-step I manage to push my way to the front, which allows me to take pictures, enjoy the game and even stretch my arm for some autographs in the second halve. Fans enthusiasm becomes easily contagious but the thing that makes me smile the most is somebody’s statement: “a couple more years and we will see Cristiano Ronaldo on this event.“ When the 28-goal game comes to a finish, it is time for a meal and some rest before the most important part of the day.
To watch the full game go here -> LINK
Second stop – Embankment and Borussia’s bus
It is all about quick decisions today – let’s go to Embankment, where the one and only official Borussia fan bus makes his last stop on the London route. Excitement rises while we leave the tube in search for a black and yellow crowd but disappointment overtakes previous feelings when there is no sign of the bus and only half an hour left to find it. While walking around town I have already had a chance to notice the enthusiasm of Dortmund’s fans so asking them about my object of desire seems like a good idea. Unfortunately none of them have a clue. Half way through the Golden Jubilee Bridge we can finally see what we are looking for. Having only minutes left I am running towards the bus just for a couple of pictures. Finally, I am standing there, surrounded by club‘s colours, I stretch my arms and am shawered by the presents, including towels, hats and even jelly sweets. A couple of pictures with players‘ images and we can head to a pub for a pint surrounded by the the discussions about this evening’s game. Next goal achieved.
Third stop – Wembley
We become struck down by sadden tirednes and the trip to Wembley to the far end of the city seems like a never-ending story. As soon as we get there we find out the journey was worthwhile. Crowds of people rushing through the Olympic Way straight to the stadium and the atmosphere of the football fever around Europe‘s second largest stadium make it a very special experience. Some of the German fans become excited about traditional Bratwursts, while the more ‘adventurous‘ ones decide on English Fish and Chips. The yellow-black jerseys stand out more than the red ones but it cannot be said that Bayern supporters do not celebrate the event. Some take pictures with life-size images of their players, while others enjoy a drink with friends. The “zero hour” is approaching quickly so it is time to come back to the city centre to find a pub which screens the actual game.
Fourth stop – the game
Something which was supposed to be a pleasure becomes a nightmare. The queues outside even the biggest locals around the Piccadily Circus and Leicester Square area, repeating statement “sorry, we are full” together with the tiredness make me lose my faith in finding a place to enjoy the match. Finally while we stare resignedly at the windows of a small pub the barman invites us inside. From the door step we are striked by loud cheers of supporters of both teams and a wave of heat which even makes the windows steam.
The first halve finishes without any scored goals and the atmosphere is unbearably tense. Even ladies toilets become a stage for discussions on who is supporting whom and why. A girl from Germany tells about how she has moved to Reeding from her country but her heart still beats for Monachium, as she was born and bred in this city. She looks at the scarf with club’s colours and kisses it.
In the second halve Mandžukić scores the first goal for Bayern in the 60th minute. Eight minutes later the second one comes from Gündoğan from the penalty for Borussia. It is a draw untill the final minutes when it is Arjen Robben who scores the final goal for Munich in the 89th minute. The pub gets louder and louder as Bayern fans cheer up at almost a certain win but they are completely drowned out by Dortmund fans just a second later. However, their enthusiasm slips after the final whistle when the title goes to their opponents. The winners stay in a pub patting Borussia’s fans on their shoulders. They have a reason to celebrate this night.
We are leaving the local slowly heading towards the coach station to finish this day with a long journey home. In spite of the late hour, the city is bustling with life and the tube is overtaken by Borussia Dortmund supporters, who still manage to stay on a positive note cheering on their team and shouting “Scheissegal“ (transl. “we don’t f*cking care“).
