I was having a conversation with my friend about soccer last weekend and we were talking about Champions League. I thought it started later in the month, or even in October, but after checking an app, I found out that Champions League started this week! The Champions League is a multinational soccer competition among the best teams in Europe. It makes for some exciting fútbol. Real Madrid is the current reigning champion from the past two years (and the most-winningest with 12 titles), so I had to go to a game.

When I saw the game was in Madrid, I got extremely excited. I live a mile away from the stadium, so I don’t even need public transportation to get there. So I checked online and there were seats available! There were seats available in the front sections, even! Compared to the cost of American sports tickets, these were cheap. At first I thought it would be a bit weird to show up by myself, but then I thought, “Oh well, who cares?! This is an incredible chance that may never happen again!”

Game Day

There were people walking around in their Real Madrid jerseys the whole day. On the way to the game, I saw so many people wearing their favorite players’ shirts. I, myself, was wearing a Marco Asensio jersey. (Unfortunately, he didn’t play because he had a pimple on his leg and he shaved over it and got an infection. No, I am not kidding.)

As I walked closer to the stadium, people had set up stands to sell knock-off merchandise. There are about 50 gates, maybe more, all around the stadium for people to enter to get to their seats. It’s very efficient. My bag was checked. Unlike in American sporting venues, people can bring large bags and they don’t have to be clear. People can even bring food! It was all very intimidating as I made my way to my seat. My ticket was checked several times until someone pointed me to my seat.

This was real.

This is real.

I had a seat in the second row on the left side of the benches. It was incredible. I was right up on the field. The Santiago Bernabeú seats over 80,000 and I watched it fill up as it crept closer and closer to the match. Not long after sitting down, the players came out onto the field and began to warm up. I was watching some of my favorite players right in front of me. Sergio Ramos applauded the fans, Cristiano Ronaldo gave a wave. Gareth Bale was nearly within touching distance.

After changing and coming back out, the Champions League anthem played and the teams posed for their pre-game picture. I still couldn’t believe this was really happening.

Game Time

Everyone sits down by the time the whistle blows. If you’re standing, the people behind you get really angry. Only the people in the Primavera Blanca stand the whole time. They are a pretty incredible group. They are responsible for unfurling the banners with a message every game. This game they made a banner that said “Camino a la Décimo-Tercera” or “Road to the Thirteenth” (because if Real Madrid wins this competition, it will be for the thirteenth time.) They never stop singing or pounding on the drum for the whole game. I wish I were one of them. They were amazing.

It only took a few minutes before Cristiano Ronaldo netted a goal from a Gareth Bale cross. Everyone stood and cheered as the ball went into the back of the net and the team celebrated in the corner. They didn’t score again in the first half, but there were so many close chances and for me, it was great just to see my favorite team play.

The Second Half

After the Spanish snacked on their bocadillos at half-time, the teams were ready to come back out. The play was now on the side of my seats, so I didn’t have to crane my neck or block anyone. There was a handball called in the box, which means a penalty. Ronaldo decided he would take it. I took out my phone and FaceTimed my dad. I was ahead of the TV back home. My dad had no idea what was going on. “Ronaldo is about to take a penalty!”

Ronaldo stood in his trademark stance over the ball. Kick. GOOOOOOOOAAAAL!!! Everyone stood up and cheered. “Gooooooool de Cristiano …”

RONALDOOOOOOOOO!

The whole crowed yelled. My dad thought it was the coolest thing and I know he wanted to be there. Then later in the half, Sergio Ramos had a somewhat ungraceful bicycle kick goal to cap off the scoring. It was amazing.

I had hoped for some more goals, but it was still an incredible spectacle. The game ended and everyone began making their way out, happy that Real Madrid got the three points. And for me, Tottenham Hotspur had also won their game against Dortmund! I’m hoping I get to go to the next Champions League game at the Bernabeú when Real Madrid play Tottenham. I’m going to be so conflicted inside!!!!

If you ever have the chance to go to a soccer game, go! The atmosphere is incredible and the games are always so exciting. I know this won’t be my last Real Madrid match. Hala Madrid!