WF:UK European/Rest of World Football Thread

Heynckes still deserves 99% of the credit for Bayern right now though.

Have a great time, I done the Derby there 2 years back and I'd still say nothing I've experienced beats the San Siro when it's full for a big game. Are you doing a night out at all? Make sure you get into the San Siro a good hour before kick off to watch the atmosphere build.

Milan v Juventus was one of the craziest footballing experiences of my life. So incredible.

The San Siro is absolutely huge from the outside. It almost seems a little cold from the outside, just the stone wall etc, very intimidating. The stadium is pretty easy to negotiate from the inside. Found my seat easily (not that it mattered as everyone just stood on there's and we're anywhere they wanted) and I soon quickly realised I was sat amongst the die hard Milan ultras... I was intimidated to say the least but the noise was simply unreal. Their support towards the team was like nothing you see in the soulless UK stadiums. That was the best atmosphere I've ever been a part of. The ultras were setting of flares and fireworks (that sounded like a bomb going off). They smoked weed, drank beer and sambuca throughout, it was crazy! Nothing like you get over here, they are a bit of a law to themselves but they just love the team and it was kind of one big party being sat with them. There seemed to be no violent intentions at any point, just there to get behind the team and have a great time. It didn't matter that I was British either, they were great.

The only negative thing about the ultras that I need to highlight was the racist abuse towards the black Juventus players. The monkey chanting and facist signs were not cool, plus you don't need to be fluent in Italian to know what they were shouting at Pogba and Asamoah. Unfortunately that was a constant throughout the game but that is just the way they are.

The game itself was a good one, Milan were great in the first half, playing some lovely football and Taarabt and Kaka really should have put them ahead bar some fantastic saves from Buffon. However Juve's counter attacking play was just too good and Llorente put them ahead just before half time. Second half it was all Juve and you could tell Milan's heads had completely dropped. They took off Montolivo who I thought had been excellent but they just didn't create any chances except one that Robinho forced a great save from Buffon again. Milan were missing Balotelli down the middle in my opinion, I don't remember Pazzini touching the ball in 95 minutes. They just played the ball side to side without any penetration. The biggest disappointment for Milan and me as a spectator was Kaka. He seemed lethargic and clumsy. It was a shame!
As for Juve's second goal it was a rocket from Tevez which from my end looked like Abbiati could have perhaps saved, but I've heard since it was unstoppable. After that it was all Juve until the end and Pogba hit the post and Pirlo hit the bar from a great free kick. Juventus look a bloody good side fair play and I really was surprised by how good Llorente was, his partnership with Tevez was very impressive. I think they could be a real threat in the Champions League next season if they can keep their midfield together.

Was an amazing experience and I'd love to do it again. It'll be hard to sit in a Premier League stadium after seeing such an atmosphere. I would recommend it to anyone thg gets a chance. It was special, that was what being at the football was all about to me.

I'll upload some photos soon!

I'll take a dull atmosphere over some racist louts anyday.

Good weekend in La Liga already, a Real Madrid win would make it perfect

....what?

Great game between Porto and Napoli. End to end stuff with a ridiculous amount of chances.

It was hard to tell if Benfica were good or if Spurs were awful... Seemed a bit of both. Have Sherwood's comments backfired?

Nah, the comments he's referring to are the ones about Spurs after they lost 4-0 against Chelsea last weekend. He basically said they have no guts and have no chance of finishing Top 4 if they carry on like this.