It was incredible for me to see Real Madrid play futbol. I’ve been a fan since childhood, a genetically inherited trait. I have memories of hearing my Tía Mar sing the Real Madrid anthem ¨Hala Madrid¨ from as young as 6 or 7. I was told by my mother that it was the ¨equipo predilecto¨ of her brothers, and it still is hers. So when the opportunity to see them play, here, in Yankee Stadium came… how could I not.
There they were, on the baseball diamond, er, soccer field, under the lights and surrounded by thousands of fans dressed in white. The stands were mostly composed of Real Madrid fans, most non-Spaniards, with a good number of AC Milan or Italy fans interspersed but outnumbered. As chance would have it I was surrounded by Italy fans, but that didn’t keep me from rooting for “Los Merengues“, their nickname for their long standing white uniforms. I’m not their fan because I am a front runner. I am a fan because it’s in my blood and my heritage. They are the Yankees of Spanish futbol, like it or not, buying their players, sure, but also growing some down on the “granja” (that’s farm).
A few observations. As you may have seen me mention on Facebook or Twitter, I am not a fan of “pretty boys” but man is Cristiano Ronaldo good lucking. Secondly, Iker Casillas is also good looking. Third, Ozil is not so good looking in my opinion, but the man can play. (Oh. Were you looking for an analysis of the game? You came to the wrong blog. If you came to read someone gush over what a great team they are, you chose wisely.)
A few more observations:
- Soccer team fan scarves are not your friends in 90 degree/80% humidity weather.
- Yankee Stadium stand food… not so good. I’m a Yankee fan but this is one category in which the Mets beat the Yankees. Better food stands.
- I don’t like it when fans of other teams yell negative comments at opposing team players. It brings out a very dark side in me. Very dark. That’s for the twerp who yelled “you suck” at my boy Callejón.
- I have to hand it to my husband and my Yankee fan friends. The train is the best way to go to the stadium. However, running with a team scarf on in 90 degree heat is not fun. (See observation 1 above.)
- The backup goalie for AC Milan’s last name is “Amelia”. I forgive him for playing for Milan on that basis alone.
Real Madrid beat AC Milan soundly, 5 to 1. Thank goodness for that. I would have been terribly disappointed if they hadn’t. Who scored the goals? DiMaria, Ronaldo, Ronaldo, Ramos and Callejón. And the wonderful Kaká assisted beautifully. Too bad he is probably returning to AC Milan. Oh well.
So I leave you with one final ¨¡Hala Madrid!¨ I hope I will get to see you play again, next time in Bernabéu.