FROM THE TRIP TO LONDON TO FACE ARSENAL

Blacky

October 31, 2025

After the draw, I was really looking forward to a great match against Arsenal in London.

So I booked everything right away, and the excitement grew as the match day approached. Early in the morning, I took the train to Frankfurt and then the flight to Heathrow. The constant rain on arrival dampened the mood a little, but it didn’t matter — I was there to support our ATLETI.

I quickly took the Tube to the hotel, which was not far from Victoria Station. The oldest station in London is always beautiful to see. After checking in, I went for a walk and stopped at the “Shakespeare” pub across the street to enjoy the first pint.

Then I headed to the team hotel to pick up the tickets. A really nice place, and I even ran into a few familiar faces. Afterwards, it was time to visit both Hard Rock Cafés.

The newer one at Piccadilly Circus was very crowded, but there were some great band items on the walls. Then I went to the second one, the original at Old Park Lane, opened in 1971. Much smaller, cozy, and full of old-school memorabilia from the Beatles, Stones, and Led Zeppelin. Many thanks again to the waiter, who offered me a complimentary whiskey after a very generous meal.

The next morning — match day — I got up early for the obligatory English breakfast. Then it was time to head toward the London Eye. I already met several Atleti fans along the way. Around the London Eye, Westminster Abbey, the Parliament, and especially on Westminster Bridge, there were plenty of Atleti supporters everywhere. The view from the London Eye over the city is simply breathtaking, and the weather was perfect too.

Then it was back to the hotel to grab my flag and gear, and back into the Shakespeare for a bit of a warm-up. After that, I headed toward Hillsborough–Islington Station, where Atleti fans were supposed to meet.

Unfortunately, my left knee wasn’t cooperating, so I ended up walking alone to the Emirates Stadium — what should have been a 10-minute walk took 45.

Outside the stadium, everything was calm and relaxed at first. But the police had other plans. As soon as the Atleti fan march arrived, they started taking drinks from everyone’s hands without a word, citing an alcohol ban on public roads.

Entry went smoothly, and inside I met Nuria and Iria — we took a quick photo and went in. I also ran into Maribell and Rubén, and Tobi was already there.

As for the match… well, the first half was still acceptable, but the second half was one to forget. I’ve never seen Atleti play so weak and helpless. After the final whistle, we just had to endure the mockery of the London fans, whether we liked it or not.

After the game, I went straight back to the Tube, quickly to Victoria Station, and then to Wetherspoon’s. Luckily, it was open until 1 a.m., so there was still time to “drink away” the disappointment a little.

Wednesday ended calmly with the return flight, carrying the hope that things will improve in Eindhoven and Istanbul.

AÚPA ATLETI