Justin treats me to one of the most exciting sporting events I have been to yet : while not on par with
The Game, Chelsea's defeat of Napoli at
Stamford Bridge in the second round of the UEFA Champions League qualifier equally memorable. Chelsea lost the opener 3-1 in Italy and so must secure
a three goal advantage to advance in the tournament. At regulation's end, the score 3-1 Blues and, since this a tie on points, we go to over-time. Chelsea scores the decisive goal - joy! - and we wait twelve agonising minutes for time to run out. The fans go mad at the final whistle
Napoli has a loud and boisterous section, too : a number of them shirtless and tatooed, leading chants and arm pointings at Chelsea , who is generally reserved (accepting the guy behind me who uses the "C" word in every sentence he utters). Security officials separate them from us. Euphoria erupts after each strike. The vibe remarkable exiting the stadium : I understand the fan's emotions :
Life and death, dude - at least, tonight.
"This could top them all for sure."
--John Terry, Chelsea captain
