Most Americans seem to be lacking the soccer gene.  Known as futbol everywhere but the States, the most popular sport around the world  just has not caught on here.  It’s a shame because we’re really missing out!  Not only are we depriving ourselves of the pleasure of a beautiful sport, but more importantly of being part of a global community that rallies together year round with die hard passion for their respective teams.

Being the daughter of a Nigerian and a girlfriend of a Russian, I have been exposed to the glorious game of futbol throughout the years.  I can’t say I exude the same level of enthusiasm as the men in my life, but I understand it and can appreciate the significance of the sport.

On a recent trip to Madrid, I had the chance to experience a live match, which is just one of MANY things to do in this city.  It wasn’t just any game either, it was the semifinal round of the League of Champions between Real Madrid and Italy’s Juventus.  Full disclosure, before my trip I had never heard of this tournament, but when the Russian explained its importance I thought it sounded like a good one for a newbie like me to see!

The match started at 8:30, but we arrived at the famed Santiago Bernabeu Stadium early to partake in all the festivities.  The streets were teeming with fans adorned with jerseys, scarves, flags, foghorns, beer and infectious excitement.  There was a stage set up where several die hards were leading chants that the entire crowd of about 10,000 would repeat in unison. Flares would go off, colorful plumes of smoke filled the air and firecrackers erupted sporadically.  Organized chaos (more chaos than organization) was the name of the game. We zig zagged our way through the masses and found a bar serving up hotdogs and beer for €4,50.  Not bad!

 

At 7:30 the doors finally opened and crowd flooded into the stadium.  After taking some photos and exploring the venue, we settled into our seats.  By the time the national anthem began every seat in the 90,000 capacity stadium was filled and the entire crowd joined in unison to honor their beloved Madrid.

The enthusiasm did not let up for the entire 90 minutes of play.  Every missed goal was immediately followed by groans of disappointment.  Each call a referee missed was met with 90,000 ear piercing whistles signaling the ref should have used his.  After every mistake by a player came the booming thud of hundreds of feet hitting the metal side rails in frustration.  As the minutes ticked down towards the end of the match, it became clear Madrid was going to fall short. The crowd’s enthusiasm, which had turned to frustration eventually dissolved into stunned disbelief.  The two young boys next to me sat quietly as tears streamed down their painted cheeks.

It wasn’t the ending fans had hoped for and if Madrid had won as expected I can only imagine how the streets would have erupted after the game.  In all, I have to say my first futbol game was definitely one to remember.  The enthusiasm, energy, passion and pride expressed by the spectators was infectious.  FIFA scandal aside, I am  certain that if more Americans experienced a match for themselves, soccer just might become the new American pastime.

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For those interested in attending a European match, I recommend purchasing tickets through Viagogo.com, the European equivalent of Stubhub. Before leaving for Spain, ticket prices averaged around $316, which initially made me short of breath, but I kept telling myself it was worth it for the “experience”. We waited to purchase tickets after arriving in Madrid since prices tend to drop closer to the match. Good thing because the morning we arrived prices had fallen by a 3rd!  We settled on 2 tickets in the away team’s section for $235 a piece and opted for instant download rather than ticket pickup to avoid the extra hassle.  After finding a nearby hotel that allowed us to use their computer and printer, we got the tickets and were on our way!

Have you ever attended a sporting event in another country?  What sport have you always wanted to see played live?  Leave your comments below!