Oh man, what a day! No really, WHAT A DAY! Manchester United were crowned champions of Europe for the first time since 1999, thus winning the Double (EPL and UCL). It was a nerve-wracking final. Ronaldo put United ahead on 26 minutes with a pinpoint header after a superb cross from Brown. Paul Scholes also played a role in the goal, as it was his brilliant 1-2 with Brown that provided the setup for the goal. But as luck would have it, United missed a couple of chances and then Chelsea levelled just before half-time.
The scores stayed level after 90 minutes and the game went into extra-time. Even 30 minutes of extra time could not separate the two teams. However, Drogba was sent off 4 minutes before the end for slapping Vidic – a similar incident got Zidane sent off in the 2006 World Cup final, and Italy went on to win that game on penalties. In somewhat of a repeat, United beat Chelsea 6-5 on penalties to lift the European crown.
Of course, with the game going to penalties, I had to wait 7 hours after it ended to find out the final result. I had my 3/BTBAM/Opeth/Dream Theater concert to go to, and I was already worried that the doors would open before I got there. That didn’t happen, but the line was already going around the block and I had to settle for a spot on the second floor balcony. I was right above the soundboard so sound-wise, I was in a good place. Anyway, more on the concert tomorrow. Right now, I need to relax and enjoy the victory!