I’ve been a big football fan as I mentioned before since I was young and I’d watch Liverpool play any chance I’d get. I still have only been to the one Liverpool match so far, which I’m hoping to change soon enough. Anyway, I’ve always loved to go to a Champions League or Europa League game because they’re always great craic, the crowds are insane and nearly always sold out. This year, Cork City, my hometown club, made it into the Europa League qualification rounds after finishing runners up in the league to Dundalk. They would have to play Linfield first, which they beat 1-0 away from home and drew the second leg 1-1. The following week they were drawn against BK Häcken, the Swedish Cup winners from last year. The first game was played away from home, which Cork drew 1-1. The following game, a week later, I got a chance to go and see my first Europa League game in Turners Cross. I went with my friend Stuart and his girlfriend Kathleen. Once we got a seat in the Shed, you could tell how good the match was gonna be from the crowd’s atmosphere. Everyone was buzzing, happy out and enjoying themselves! From the offset, Hacken looked like they could catch City with their pacey striker getting the better of the defense a few times, all to no avail. Häcken had a few chances as well, one saved by keeper Mark McNulty and another going wide. City took the lead in the 14th minute when a free kick by Greg Bolger was put into the box and Kevin O’Connor hit a volley into the back of the net. The whole stadium erupted. I remember having goosebumps for the whole first half after it because the stadium were now singing louder than before and it really got to the players as they were more pumped up as well. Not really much else happened in the first half besides a serious looking injury to one of the Häcken players which took a good few minutes before play was restarted and City went into half time leading 1-0 and 2-1 on aggregate. The second half had plenty of chances for both sides but neither could score and City held on for a fantastic win! They were drawn against Belgian side Genk in the next round but were unfortunately beaten 3-1.