The spacious, accommodating Wembley Taphouse concourse on Friday night was a family-friendly environment. It was refreshing to see a melting pot of England spectators from different walks of life.
Under Pep Guardiola, Barcelona produced one of the most iconic performances in Champions League history. After a composed 3-1 away win, the return leg at Camp Nou turned into something extraordinary. Lionel Messi scored five goals, which is still a record in a single Champions League match, as Barcelona demolished Leverkusen 7-1. The 10-2 aggregate scoreline tells you everything. It was total football at its peak - relentless pressing, perfect movement, and clinical finishing.
The night of 6 September was one that will be remembered. When the attendance figure was announced at the Allianz Arena, a rapturous cheer erupted, the likes of which women's football in Germany had rarely experienced before: 57,762 fans had turned up to watch the Bundesliga opener between FC Bayern Women and Bayer 04 Leverkusen - a new record in German women's club football.
