¡CAMPIONES CAMPIONES, OLE OLE OLE!

It started on a high. Flattened. Sunk. Then soared.

It was just what you'd expect from a United/Chelski clash. But this time the Gods showed United mercy. In all fairness Chelsea played a hard fought match, dominating the second half with as many shots on goal as to the body. Cards flew like confetti.

There was kicking, spitting, head butts, bitchery, and finally face slapping. It was Dynasty in cleats.

Both teams were spent, as were both sets of supporters, before the unthinkable but completely believable happened a: penalty shootout in a deluge.


The match within the match took everyone for a ride (inducing mass motion sickness). Ronaldo was the first to blame. Then Terry. Then Anelka. Then back to Terry. Then all of London. And ultimately Jose Mourinho. Just because it feels so good.


In the end the Reds won fair and square. Sir Alex Ferguson hailed Edwin
van der Sar's penalty shoot-out heroics as "no accident" after the Manchester United goalkeeper clinched the Champions League trophy with his stop from Chelsea's Nicolas Anelka.

All in all, not a bad season.

THE RED ARMY RETURNS

OK, before I rant about United's upcoming victory in Moscow, i should preface it with an overdue shout out to United's Premiership victory, and those of us celebrating it worldwide.

Once again I was banished to the Polish Social Club because Nevada Smiths was packed to the rafters (why do they allow Chelsea supporters entry)? Regardless, the atmosphere was brilliant, hardly a Chelsea supporter in sight, and the boys were in fine voice. After the victory we all headed up 3rd Ave to Nevada's. That's when the party was in full swing.

The best thing about watching an British cup victory in NY is walking up 3rd Ave after. It's as if you're in Manchester, London, or wherever your club calls home. High fives. Low fives. Chelsea and United fans patting each on the back (instead of stabbing). You wouldn't see this anywhere else. Nope. Only in New York.

Back to Moscow. The only thing that could stop United from beating Chelsea is a few billion rubles, or another words Roman Abromovich. Sadly, it's how things are done in Russia. And in Chelsea.

Guess we'll see when the Red Army goes marching on.

SING WHEN YOU'RE WINNING

Brilliant night. Once that United needed badly after suffering a loss and 2 ties. I needed it as well. Hopes were dim, but I still had 'em. I watched every second with intensity. But it was the home support that really gave me chills. That and Scholesy whipping the crowd into an unbridled frenzy.

I cherish visiting OT. Singing. Swilling. Savoring the moment. But I'd trade it for that one incredible night the lucky few can proudly say they witnessed. Against Barca. All together. All for one. Viewed all over the world.


There are few moments I doubt will top April 29, 2008. I just hope I'm standing proudly in the Strettford end when they arrive. And they will. Believe.