Event Spotlight: The UEFA Champion's League
by José María Alvarez Ortego
04.29.2008
The UEFA Champions League has reached its thrilling climax. Only four teams are left in the hunt to be crowned the best team in Europe (and by extension, the world).
Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and FC Barcelona are the teams that are left. For the third straight year, The English Premier League has shown it is the most competitive in the world by having teams last into the final rounds.
If we take a look to the local league tables, Manchester United could be considered the favorite to win the Champions League, but all the soccer fans know that things are not that easy on this sport. Even with Argentino Carlos Tevez in the front line partnering Wayne Rooney, it is not guaranteed they will advance past Barca.
FC Barcelona is going to be a big threat for the Red Devils of Manchester. The situation of the Spanish team in La Liga, where they have almost lost all their chances to win the league, makes them be more dangerous. The European title is their last gasp to save the season. If not, The Barcelonistas' little patience with coach Frank Rijkaard might reach its end. Lionel Messi is back from injury, so they have their collective fingers crossed.
In the case of the other semifinal, between Chelsea and Liverpool, we are in for a match-up which is becoming a classic lately. It is the third consecutive year these two teams find each other in the semifinals. Both teams have similar philosophies. The Blues (Chelsea) and Scousers (Liverpool) practice a very physical game, where the strategy is more important than the jogo bonito.
Practicality is the best definition for the way of playing for both these English teams. In their previous battles, Liverpool has always won. Javier Mascherano is the key for Liverpool as a defensive midfielder, and super Spaniard Fernando Torres can always be counted on for goals.
Nobody knows what is going to happen to this year. The only thing we are sure about is that this is a great moment all around the country for all the soccer freaks to enjoy their favorite sport. The second leg of the semifinals is on April 29th and 30th. You can check out the soccer madness at the following locations:
L.A.
Lucky Baldwin's
17 South Raymond Avenue
(626) 795 0652
www.luckybaldwins.com
Located in the Pasadena shopping district, Lucky Baldwin's is pure California. You can catch the match indoors, or from their breezy outdoor patio. We recommend the cheeseburger and steak fries.
The Fox and Hounds
11100 Ventura Blvd
(818) 763-7837
www.thefoxandhounds.com
Studio City's fútbol headquarters. Again, you can watch the match from inside or in the patio. No menu though, so eat up beforehand so the beer won't hit you so strong.
NEW YORK
Nevada Smith's
74 3rd Avenue (between 11th and 12th Street)
(212) 982-2591
www.NevadaSmiths.net
This is the best place in the city to watch these matches, or any fútbol match. Two floors means twice the opportunity to see the match on the many screens. Catch it upstairs if you want the full soccer stadium "rowdy" experience (with groups of fans from different teams plafully yelling chants at each other), downstairs is more civilized.
Firefly
54 Spring Street
(212) 966-8716
www.fireflynyc.com
Speaking of more civilized, Firefly actually offers a menu of goodies to eat while you watch footie (thankfully not horrible English food).
CHICAGO
Ginger's Ale House
3801 N Ashland
(773) 348-2767
www.gingersalehouse.com
Ginger's is close to Wrigley's and has a great selection of beers. They have 30 TV screens, so prepare for football overload.
The Globe Pub
1934 W. Irving Park Road
(773) 871-3757
www.theglobepub.com
Voted 2007 best soccer pub in the U.S. by Ussoccer.com (what does U.S. Soccer know? Look at the team and how they play! But we digress). Full menu and a nice selection of beers.
MIAMI
Churchill's Pub
5501 NE 2nd Ave.
(305) 757 1807
www.churchillspub.com
Located in the heart of Little Haiti, this bar is a classic rock n' roll establishment and a football fan's dream. Not only serving up a great beer selection and some definitely intriguing bites, Churchill's offer up a weekly football schedule with the best in the English, French, and Spanish leagues.
Playwright Irish Pub and Restaurant
1265 Washington Ave
(305) 534 0667
www.playwrightirishpub.com
The Playwright is definitely one of the most traditional and authentic British pubs in the area. Offering Setanta, Goal TV and The Fox Soccer channel, as well as a selection of over 13 draft beers (including "the best pint of Guinness this side of St. James Gate") Playwright is a one-stop shop for Champ's League.
