Tuesday and Wednesday: CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Schutz Students Become Infatuated with Soccer Stars
Youssef Talaat

Every other Tuesday and Wednesday Schutz students of all ages meet with their families and friends to watch the legendary UEFA Champions League. The majority of students at Schutz support clubs from Spain, Italy, and England. Over the years, matches in the Champions League have become increasingly competitive and unpredictable causing both disappointment and astonishment among fans. Last year’s winner was Manchester United FC; however, it is nearly impossible to predict this year’s winner as all the participating teams are equally skilled.

The Champions League is UEFA’s most prestigious club competition. It was originally created in the 1955-1966 season as the European Champion Clubs’ Cup before its format and name were changed to the Champions League in 1992. Real Madrid CF has been the most successful team overall with nine triumphs, followed by seven for AC Milan and five for Liverpool FC. The Champions League is open to top-ranking teams in club leagues across Europe.

This year’s group stage has ended and a draw has determined which of the sixteen qualifying teams will play the other in the first knockout round that will begin in February. Atlético de Madrid will meet FC Porto; Olympique Lyonnais will meet FC Barcelona; Arsenal FC will meet AS Roma; FC Internazionale Milano will meet Manchester United FC; Real Madrid CF will meet Liverpool FC; Chelsea FC will meet Juventus FC; Villarreal will meet Panathinaikos FC; and Sporting Clube de Portugal will meet FC Bayern München. This year’s final game will be played in Rome’s Stadio Olimpico on May 27th, 2009.

Up to this round, this year’s leading scorers are Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Miroslav Klose (Bayern), and Karim Benzema (Lyon), each with five goals. Franck Ribéry (Bayern) leads assists with five assists. Outside the pitch, Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) is leading the fan polls followed by Lionel Messi (Barcelona) then Frank Lampard (Chelsea). Schutz students continuously argue and squabble over the league’s players and teams. One student, Saad Attia, says, “The Champions League has caused intense pressure between me and my friends; it almost seems like we are related to these teams.” Another student, Mohamed Zahran, says, “The 90 minutes of a soccer game pass by like one second!” Young students look up to these players and frequently imitate them in their clothes, hairstyles, and soccer skills, which is healthy because having inspirations motivates people to achieve.