The Experience
We timed our arrival to Lisbon for the Champions League Final, flights were booked way in advance with the hope that Real Madrid would get to compete for 'La Decima'. Despite missing out on tickets, and seeing scalping prices soar to €800 a ticket outside the Benfica stadium, it was a memorable night.
We joined the 15,000 Real Madrid fans packed into Praça da Figueira, where two huge screens had been set up in the designated area for Real Madrid. We have never felt so many emotions in 120 minutes - from depression and anxiety, to relief and fear, and finally total happiness as Real Madrid was victorious.
The emotions of the game were relayed in real life with tensions running high and riots breaking out, flares and riot police coming through. All the dramas were soon forgotten as the goals piled on in the last minutes of the game. These were followed by sweaty hugs, kisses with strangers, partying and dancing to drums and horns . What an insane night.
But the action wasn't over yet. Before we knew it, World Cup fever took hold. The country came together and stood still to watch Portugal and Brasil fall short.
It wasn't the Portuguese speaking nations finest moments, but the party was still raging on across Lisbon with fans watching games under the summer sun. Regardless of the result, we found reasons to be happy and celebrate.
Nike Portugal Home Jersey
If Tiago could live in a shirt, it would be this one. It's definitely his favourite piece in his wardrobe, and in true Portuguese pride he excitedly bought one for me too. And in those three weeks of Football Fever, we both really did live did in these shirts. Thank goodness its made by Nike, its durability lasted long past the riots and celebrations that was Football Fever.
