The Passion of the Fan

I write this long overdue entry as a wave of emotion sweeps over me.This is written exactly 5 minutes after witnessing the most thrilling La liga in ages wind down into its final week.This La liga season has been a very see-saw affair with the title race being a three way dog-fight between Traditional enemies Barcelona FC and Real Madrid CF and new-boys Sevilla FC.And although millions of blogs, such as mine, will not have ample space to touch upon the Madrid-Barca rivalry (El Classico,for the literate),it goes beyond saying that any title race between the two will surpass the usual Premier League Rivalry. Sevilla ,on the other hand, are the only team in over two decades to successfully defend the UEFA Cup and they themselves boast of a side worthy of considerable bragging. However, this blog deals with something else.
I have always been a Football enthusiast right from the early days when Dennis Bergkamp used to strike wondrous goals for Holland and when Romario was always on the scoresheet. But my metamorphosis from a normal fan to wakes-up-in-the-nite-to-watch-matches fan was due to a certain team of Galacticos in 2001. The Real Madrid team for many people is about over-bulging pockets of money and Underperformance. But for me, Real Madrid will always be about the season of 2000-2001. Their football was not just a game but rather a way of artistic expression. The purpose of their football was not to grind out victories (which in hindsight, cost the coach Vicente Del Bosque his job) but to show the boy sitting at his home thousands of miles away, just how beautiful a game could be. They were not just players for me; they were idols who rose above the mediocrity around them once a day every week.Without Fail.Without Complaint.
They didn't always win. They lost to Bayern Munich (apparently their bogey team) in the Champion's League. But they were majestic in defeat. I still remember how they made Bayern run around in circles and basically cringe their way to victory. Somehow the insurmountable hurt was overcome when the merengues lifted the la liga crown. With Luis Figo rampaging down the right flank and Steve Mcmanaman doing the same on the left, oppositions were left to wonder who would get the final goalward touch. It was like watching an Orchestrated Ballet happen with Raul finishing with his Trademark left-footed chip. Perhaps as some form of justice, Figo was chosen as the Year's Best Footballer.
It didn't stop there either. The advent of Zidane served as a new era for Madrid. With age and a debilitating ankle injury, Figo lost some of his invincibility on the flanks and Madrid coped brilliantly by superb one-touch football and captivating one-twos through the center. Even now, they weren't winning everything. But they dazzled for sure. Who can forget Zidane's Amazing left-footed volley to win the Champion's League in 2002 (people who haven't been fortunate enough to witness, dont bother to answer!).
That was Real Madrid. Brilliant and inconsistent.
Circa 2007. Madrid haven't won a trophy in four years. They have one of the most costliest squads. But the results are tough to come by.Their Brand of football is regimented and rigid. Their choice of coaches is as fickle as the monsoon weather. This is Real Madrid now.

Lets come back to the title chase, Real Madrid were leaders atop the liga tied with Barcelona into the penultimate match. Madrid quickly went one down against Zaragoza. Barcelona followed suit against Espanyol. But Messi scored another Maradona style goal (Anyone remember "The Hand of God" goal) to pull them level. At this stage Barca are gonna edge Madrid. Come the second half, Madrid equalise only for Zaragoza to go ahead again. To make matters worse, Barca and Messi score again to go one up. Madrid have almost run out of gas on the home stretch.
With a last gasp effort, Nistelrooy scores for Madrid to pull them even. And exactly 20 seconds later Tamudo scores for Espanyol to square things up. Both matches end 2-2 and Madrid are still top with a match to go, their destiny firmly in their own hands. Sevilla, meanwhile are still in it but barely after drawing at Mallorca.

I'm as, you would call, a Madridista and tonight i have been awakened after my long dormancy. It feels good to be awake.

"Not all who are dreaming are sleeping"