PROGRAMME REVIEW | UEFA Champions League Finals

 Every year at the end of each season, no matter what team we support, we all (or at least, some if not, most of us) look forward to the cup finals, especially the UEFA Champions League Final, which is said to be the biggest game in European club football.

For those of us who like collecting programmes, myself included, these are among the list of those we like to collect, a nice collectors item for the future and nice thing to read at the present - or any other time.

I thought with the season now over, I would look back at my programme collection, beginning with UCL Finals. Having only really built this collection up last year really, and added this years to it, it's not the biggest haul but one I'm happy with. 

I won't individually go through them in this blog, that's for another time, but the purpose of this blog is to showcase the ones I have currently collected and kind of rank where they stand for me in terms of favourites (programme itself, without going into it too much), the actual game itself (i.e. iconic game that I remember), just generally one I've always wanted to own or something else entirely. 

Firstly, starting in date order with one I remember sharing online a few years ago, albeit the cup final at the time was known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup (or at least that's what is on the cover of the programme). If you haven't guessed, it is of course from 1968 when Manchester United defeated Benfica 4-1 after extra time at Wembley (obviously London) on 29th May. This one by far holds a lot of sentimental value for me, despite having taken place a few decades before I was born, not only because United (my favourite professional team) became the first English club to win the competition, but more so because it was the club's first European triumph - also taking place a decade after the tragic night in Munich. Another reason is because of the list of names in the squad that day - including (now Sir) Bobby Charlton, who scored twice, to name one. Three goals in 9 extra time minutes, the clinching goal coming from the aforementioned former England and United record goalscorer, wrapping up a historic win for the club of course makes me even more pleased to own a, albeit replica, copy. To be fair, normally I'd rather not have a replica programme, but in this case given the age of it - I am not fussed, as long as it's the exact same as the one originally produced, plus in this case it's probably ideal that it is reprinted, as no doubt originals from back then are probably not in the greatest condition given resources around at the time - who knows. For anyone that wants to see a full list of the games, I'll add at the end of this post, including goalscorers.

Moving onto more recent times, and the first of 3 consecutive year's finals that I own, starting in 2007 with AC Milan v Liverpool in Athens' Olympic Stadium on May 23rd. This one ironically I only really picked up as I think I found it off eBay for a fairly cheap price, plus I thought it would be cool to add that having at the time already picked up the following two year's finals already. Fun fact, that year was AC Milan's 7th and most recent UCL success, so from a historical aspect it also felt like a good acquisition.

As hinted, next is, arguably my favourite of the lot, 2008 (Moscow, 21st May). Simply because it's United's most recent UCL win and the only one to have currently happened during my lifetime. Also, it's one final I'll often go back and watch either the full match, or highlights of with van Der Sar's save from Anelka without doubt obviously a standout moment. Anderson's spot-kick in the shootout also comes to mind, the way he struck it under that pressure is mind-blowing! To seal a double winning season and third Champions League triumph, United also had to overcome fellow English opponents Chelsea - who were chasing a maiden UCL win at the time, which also makes it more mean more in my opinion, plus the programme itself is one of my favourites anyway. 

Now onto 2009, where United looked to retain their European crown in Rome against the side they knocked out in the semi-finals the year prior - courtesy of a Paul Scholes iconic screamer - but were unsuccessful, like other teams have been against Spanish clubs in European finals. This one ranks fairly highly for me though among my collection though, despite the fact it ended in defeat, simply because United did still make the final and because the programme itself is quite good in my opinion as well. Surprisingly that was only Barca's 3rd European triumph, but depending on what other club's you compare it to it admittedly can become more surprising, or less so. 

Onto the next UCL programme in my collection, 2011. Again, hosted at Wembley, memories of watching this final remain positively for me today. Firstly, as it was the only European final I remember watching with my uncle and grandad (we're all United fans) and also the shared celebration when Rooney equalised for United, despite it ending in a fourth success for Barca, in United's most recent UCL final appearance. Again, the programme itself equally shares the sentimental value I still hold of the game itself, a great momento and read - which personally sits just below the 2008 one for my overall favourite UCL final programme in my collection. 

Moving onto 2018, and onto the final 4 (or 5 if including the 2020 Tournament Finals programme issued back when the pandemic first hit), as Real Madrid took on Liverpool in Kyiv with Gareth Bale scoring twice to seal a thirteenth triumph for the Spanish side. Firstly, the final itself I recall being a good game at the time, so felt like a good programme to get, but also like most of the programmes - without trying to not repeat myself - is a good collectors item in it's own right. 

Ironically, next in my collection is 2019 as Liverpool beat Tottenham Hotspur for their 6th European triumph. The reason why I purchased this was simply because that final was contested between two English teams, and like the 2018 final I bought it for a good discounted price from European Nights, and I felt it would make for a nice addition in the collection - with of course it including a lot of English club (especially Premier League) programmes. Plus, it was one massive achievement from Pochettino to guide Spurs to the Final - who has recently taken over at Chelsea.

As mentioned, I have got the 2020 Finals Tournament programme, but however haven't got the actual final programme. That's because I got it fairly cheap, again from European Nights, and think I got it in a bundle - or at least wanted something from the finals of that year's competition without spending too much, as I had already got the Europa League Tournament Guide and Final programmes from that year - having bought the UEL Final last year and Tournament Guide at the time. Still, a nice addition and evidently the only time the UCL has concluded in that fashion. 

Skipping a season, next is last season (2022 of course)'s final. A rerun of 2018 as Real Madrid and Liverpool locked horns in Paris. Ironically, I had already considered purchasing this programme anyway, but felt I had to take advantage of finding a couple of copies (by the time I could purchase one I think only one was left) in my local WH Smiths. Plus, that final saw Real win the trophy for a record 14th time, so historically felt like a good purchase, as well as finding the game itself a good watch. Also, I don't mind admitting I flicked through the programme quickly immediately prior to purchasing it (only time I've actually done that, whether I purchased it or not) and that eradicated any slight doubt in my mind about purchasing it. 

I'm sure you've guessed what the final is in my collection, since obviously only one final has happened since 2022, as you know the other week, as Manchester City beat Inter Milan for their first Champions League title. Ironically the programme arrived in a bundle two days after the final took place, as I ordered that with the UEFA Europa Conference League immediately after West Ham themselves made European history of their own, so thought I may as well take advantage of getting the UCL programme at the same time at a cheaper price (excluding postage (I can live with that as it could've cost more). Historically, I guess the fact it completed their own treble makes it a decent addition, but as a United fan that reason does not wash with me much (24 years too late lads!). Thought to be honest the Final was quite poor until the closing stages, with some of the saves Ederson made being outrageous and from a goalkeeping perspective more impressive - especially as the stops denied Inter from at the very least equalising at the death. 

Stay tuned as I will go review the programmes individually as time passes.

Also, I feel like I need to add this in the event one or two people ask me this (and this doesn't include a Real Madrid fan, whose support of my work I really appreciate, as I know it's not meant in the same way) - as I have been asked this previously when sharing these type of programmes - these are NOT for sale, trade or anything else. You'd be better off getting them from European Nights, or directly from UEFA, than from me. Plus, I don't sell items I don't have duplicates of.

Thanks for reading and stay tuned as I have more blogs to post in the next few weeks!

List Of All MY UCL Final Programmes:-

1. 29.05.1968 - SL Benfica 1-4 (aet) Manchester United - Graca (79'); Bobby Charlton (53', 99'), George Best (92'), Bryan Kidd (94').
2. 25.05.2007 - AC Milan 2-1 Liverpool - Filippo Inzaghi (45', 82'); Dirk Kuyt (89').
3. 21.05.2008 - Manchester United 1-1 (6-5 pens) Chelsea - Cristiano Ronaldo (26'); Frank Lampard (45') - pens scored: MUFC; Carlos Tevez, Michael Carrick, Owen Hargreaves, Luis Nani, Oliveria Anderson, Ryan Giggs, CHE; Michael Ballack, Juliano Belletti, F.Lampard, Ashley Cole, Salomon Kalou.
4. 27.05.2009 - Barcelona 2-0 Manchester United - Samuel Eto'o (10'), Lionel Messi (70').
5. 28.05.2011 - Barcelona 3-1 Manchester United - Pedro (27'), Lionel Messi (54'), David Villa (69'); Wayne Rooney (34').
6.  26.05.2018 - Real Madrid 3-1 Liverpool - Karim Benzema (51'), Gareth Bale (64', 83'); Sadio Mane (55').
7. 01.06.2019 - Tottenham Hotspur 0-2 Liverpool - Mo Salah (2'pen), Divock Origi (87').
8. 12.08.2020 to 25.08.2020 - UEFA Champions League Finals Tournament Guide - Bayern Munich beat Paris Saint Germain 1-0 (Kingsley Coman (59')).
9. 28.05.2022 - Liverpool 0-1 Real Madrid - Vinicius Jr. (59').
10. 10.06.2023 - Manchester City 1-0 Internazionale Milano - Rodri (68').

*SPOILERS* Transformers Rise of The Beasts Film Review 2023

First off all, I'll start this blog off with a disclaimer. These are my personal views, please respect my opinions and I will happily respect yours, as the point of this blog post is to detail a review of sorts of the Transformers Rise Of The Beast film and to hopefully open a discussion with those of you reading this that have seen it. *PLEASE NOTE, MIGHT INCLUDE SPOILERS, SO IF YOU HAVEN'T WATCHED IT AND DON'T WANT TO KNOW, YOU MIGHT WANT TO READ THIS AFTER*

So yesterday (8th June 2023), I went to watch the film with my brother in the first screening, where I live, of the new film. Personally, I thought it wax up there as one of the best films I've watched - especially within this franchise.

It didn't really have any dull moments, it was gripping from start to finish and included more 'wow' moments than I expected.

I thought the Terracons and Maximals added a lot to the film, added a lot of power to the film and found the story very intriguing.

When they said it was the Autobots' hardest challenge yet, they weren't kidding! Spoiler no.1, I wasn't a fan of them killing Bumblebee - who bravely sacrificed himself to save Prime, but being honest it added to the surprise factor - though I did think they would revive them (as they did)!

I thought the small backstory from the Bumblebee film was nice, the perfect amount I think, as it allowed you to learn more of the story since the last film, which was relevant to this one.

I also enjoyed getting to learn more about the characters, Autobots and humans, especially Prime's journey as a leader, and seeing the two groups working together.

*More spoilers* - I thought Mirage was brilliant in the film, took on a big role in the decision making and on the battlefield, but more so I absolutely loved the scene, in fact my highlight - other than Bumblebee's sky dive return - where he let Noah, "take the wheel," as he had somehow just avoided a certain death (great play dead acting!).

On the Terracons, I thought they were a great adversary, powerful and, for most the film, the favourites to win (strength wise, obviously I was delighted to see them shut down) and provided that challenge any great movie should have.

I also really liked the scene where Primal reluctantly had to shut down AirRazor. Don't get me wrong, it was a bit sad, but story wise it added to the surprise, intrigue and increased the challenge of the battle ahead, especially as they'd been reduced in numbers and ahead of what was almost the end for Earth.

The film, like others in the series, I also found quite inspiring, reminding you that whatever the challenge, if you try hard enough and want to succeed you can do it, however much it takes you out of your comfort zone.

Personally, I also thought the ideas like Noah in a Mirage type 'suit,' and other features really raised the film. I also liked the use of Mirage using multiple forms of vehicles to add to his character and take advantage of his name and turn it into a really cool skill.

As someone who likes a lot of action in these films, I personally thought the film delivered on that and pretty much all fronts and was worth the few pushbacks the film's release got. The film arguably trumped some of the Bay films to be honest - though I'm not totally sure of exactly yet.

I think there's plenty of more avenues that they can explore for future films, whether that being next in the reboot's timeline, or a different plot - such as a different threat/opponent like in this film as opposed to Bumblebee and the Bay era films.

All in all, a solid film, that I think did the franchise justice.