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Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Man United.....Euro trips, which one?
Written by JR Walker | 26th August 2006 | 4 Comment(s)
Not all football supporters can afford to travel away to watch their teams as much as others, even more so when faced with three fixtures in the first stage of the Champions League before what will be hoped to be further matches during the knock-out stage.
All four English entrants will fancy their chances of progression and European away trips will usually remain in the memory longer than an excursion to Wigan, but for some fans eager to travel abroad to support their team the question may arise as to which one of the three destinations is the most attractive; if only one is affordable.
Alphabetically, taking Arsenal first their fans should be quite pleased that the draw threw up three teams that provide new experiences to those of the past, although some may have already been to Moscow when The Gunners faced Spartak not so long ago.
CSKA Moscow in mid October may not be quite the freezing temperatures of a December journey, but then again a little winter sun in Portugal may prove more appealing.
Via the Amsterdam Tournament and the Champions League most Gooners have probably had their fill of the delights a trip to Ajax can bring, so maybe Hamburg would just be the same thing but in another country.
However, with FC Porto being the last fixture in the group which Arsenal may have wrapped up by then Hamburg may win in some fans' minds. Those looking for culture will probably opt for Moscow, and those that hang on for Portugal may decide to save their money for a later stage.
Chelsea fans that have been to Barcelona won't need telling what a lovely city it is, but the other two options would appear more appealing.
Basically if you missed it the last two years then go, but there won't be many occasions that a Bulgarian team qualifies so Levski Sofia may be an opportunity not to miss.
Bremen is of course the home of Becks (no, not the player - the drink), and the Weserstadion may prove a more appealing enticement. The town is also very friendly and worth a couple of days stay in a place you probably wouldn't holiday.
Liverpool may have won the European Cup in Turkey, but many a happy memory could be shattered against Galatasaray especially as the English/Turkish rivalry hasn't really ceased at all.
The Bordeaux region offers a wealth of activities, from colourful gardens, medieval museums, casinos, beaches and golf courses to music festivals and riverboat excursions. For some the mid October trip to Bordeaux may prove a nice little break.
Eindhoven is also another nice town, but many Liverpool fans will probably choose to stay in Amsterdam and get the train from there.
Eindhoven does have a Red Light District, but with only 10 to 15 girls and the area isn't that safe at night so if that's what you're looking for; stay in Amsterdam. Otherwise a couple of days in Holland are always quite pleasurable.
Manchester United will start this year's campaign where they left last year's; at Benfica, but hopefully with a different result. For those that didn't travel last season this match would definitely be worth a visit especially as the weather should be on your side.
The Battle of Britain match at Celtic should prove a wonderful occasion as the game will have more on it than the usual friendly encounters, but a European away trip isn't really complete without stuttering through some of the local lingo, rather than a form of English that you can't grasp.
FC Copenhagen will provide an opportunity to visit a wonderful city which could be difficult to pass up as the Danish do not always have a representative in the Champions League.
Many Scandinavians will be Man United supporters so that particular trip is likely to be one of the friendliest you could come across.
What would I do in each case if I could only afford one of the group matches? Well, let's go for two scenarios.
If you are going for culture:-
CSKA Moscow v Arsenal - culture over sunshine
Levski Sofia v Chelsea - probably never go there again
Bordeaux v Liverpool - Good chance to sample the wine
FC Copenhagen v Man United - Tivoli Gardens and Hans Christian Andersen over sunshine
If you are going for girls and booze:-
Hamburg v Arsenal - Reeperbahn a must
Barcelona v Chelsea - Close with Bremen but the girls win
Eindhoven v Liverpool - Stay in Amsterdam though
FC Copenhagen v Man United - Scandinavian girls beat Portuguese and Scots
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Comments
Comment by shooy on Tuesday 29 August 2006 @ 10:23pm
Comment by paulski on Monday 28 August 2006 @ 7:47pm
Nice ;) As a gooner living in Moscow, I can safely say this match will be a cracker, plus the city is WELL worth the trip.
Comment by andrew on Saturday 26 August 2006 @ 10:33am
nice article. a welcome change from football analysis
Comment by Nturtle on Saturday 26 August 2006 @ 9:49am
HAH! Great travel guide! Apprecitate it!
First readable article in a football blog in ages.