Vamos a Madrid

22 May 2010, Madrid woke up to a beautiful day. But on this occasion it was not the madridistas who would be celebrating around the city. The Bernabeu was set to host the Champions League final that evening, Bayern Munich versus Internazionale di Milano, better known as Inter.

The streets were streaked with red and white, black and blue. Flights were fully booked and a queue of charter planes lined up on the landing strip. All roads led to the Bernabeu and they were watched closely by the police, who coordinated the traffic of cars and bodies. By 3 pm a throng of people were already huddled around the stadium in a passionate embrace. Everyone – coaches, players and fans – knew that nine hours later there could be only one winner. And that there would be tears, of joy or despair. There’s a runners-up prize for losing finalists of course, but it’s one that no one wants.

Milito scored first once and then twice. Bayern were on their knees and it was game over. Inter were European champions once more. And also Treble winners – the first and only Italian club over to achieve such a feat