Going to the Game: Barcelona vs Arsenal

A good flight, a great lunch and then to the Champions Festival at the Eiffel Tower.
As you can see from the photograph the sky in Paris is overcast.
It's warm and sticky with speckles of rain blown by a blustery wind.
The local forecasters don't all agree but it's likely to be similar weather on Wednesday for the final.

I've met supporters of both teams - and both sides are forecasting a high scoring match.
Josep and Eduard who I talked to over a beer in a brasserie are convinced Barca will win by four clear goals.
Ronaldinho is the greatest they said - and next year Thierry Henry will be with us.
Words no Arsenal fan wants to hear.

Kevin from north London believes the Gunners will win 3:1 but he also admitted he fears - lose or win, Henry will be heading for Spain this summer.

This is yours truly, Bill Hutchison standing alongside the 'Cup with the Big Ears'
The Champions League Trophy - which is on display at the Champions Festival.
It's an awesome feeling just being close to soccer's holy grail
What it must be like to hold it high as the captain of a winning team defies the imagination.

Toni is a happy, smiling Barcelona fan I talked to at the airport and then met again at the Champions Festival.
Toni is certain Barca will win 3:1 - it's my photo editing that reduced his winning forecast by one.
I'm sure he'll forgive me - as long as his team wins.

An Arsenal fan gets in to the swing of things with the UEFA mascot.