El Mundo Sports

In getting to travel to different parts of the world, and experiencing sporting events along the way, I have had the good fortune to experience moments that bring goose bumps to my skin and open my eyes to the international sporting world. Recently, Barcelona played Atletico Bilbao in the finals of the Copa del Rey, which is a competition of Spanish teams from upper and lower levels all across Spain. The tournament allows for teams to fight for silverware that normally wouldn’t have a shot. Since it’s a competition with lower level teams, you would think Barcelona would always win it, and the fans wouldn’t fully appreciate the tournament.

Try telling that to the Barça supporters.

Several friends and I went to a watching party near Plaza Reial, off of the famed Las Ramblas, in the city center. As game time came near, the streets of Barcelona were empty and the air was quiet. I found this initially odd as I wondered where the fans were. But when the opening whistle blew, I knew what the reason was. Everyone was paying attention to the game at their homes or in Plaza Catalunya just north of Las Ramblas. The television showed thousands of fans crammed into Plaza Catalunya, waving flags, and singing songs. Chanting became so loud, that at one point we couldn’t hear the TV.

Barcelona went on to win the game 4-1, as diehard supporters poured into the streets to celebrate. That’s when I realized I wasn’t in the USA anymore. What followed, blew my mind.

After waiting some time to let the masses clear, we decided to leave and head toward Plaza Catalunya to catch the night bus. On the walk up Las Ramblas, we were shocked with the scene. Trash cans were turned over in the streets, potted plants were broken and thrown down, and people could be scene throwing trash and beer on the ground and screaming at the police that were trying to control the situation. As my roommate and I headed up Las Ramblas, a policeman stepped in front of her put his baton up to her face and harshly told her to turn around and go the other direction. “We need to get to Plaza Catalunya to catch the night bus,” she exclaimed. “How do we get there?” The policeman said, “You have to turn around and go a few streets over because we are not letting anyone go any further up Las Ramblas.”

We felt like we were in a war zone, with people running from the police and the police sirens blaring all over the city. Once we arrived at Plaza Catalunya, police were everywhere trying to control the situation. The plaza was ransacked with trash and there were fires in the street. At this point, the only thing on our mind was getting out of there. With the grave situation, the buses stopped running, and we were forced to flag down a taxi.

Once in the taxi, we still feared for our safety, as people could be seen throwing beer bottles and toppling trash cans in the street. In one intersection, the cab driver had to maneuver around two separate fires that were burning using trash. My roommate and I looked at each other, not saying anything.

“The people are crazy in the streets,” I said to the cabbie. “This is only the final of the Copa del Rey. What will happen if Barcelona wins the Champions League.”

“You don’t want to know,” he said.

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I think Patrice Evra said it best when he exclaimed, “We are 11 men, they are 11 children.”

It wasn’t a sly remark on Arsenal or a statement of their inability to cope with United, but more a statement of experience. Manchester United’s experience was evident from the first few minutes when Arsenal left back, Kieran Gibbs, slipped instead of controlling the ball, gifting United their first goal. It’s unfortunate for the youngster, who has played well thus far in the Champions League. He’ll remember that one for as long as wears a jersey. It affectively ended the tie - and Arsenal’s run at Champions League glory - as United won 3-1 to progress to the final in Rome.

Arsenal coach, Arsene Wenger, has brilliantly brought players through the club ranks and into the lime light at the Emirates, but trophies still elude his young squad. No one questions his tactics, style of play, or decision making. His ability as a coach to develop young talent is unmatched, and it shows when the Gunners play well. But that’s the problem. They don’t play well often enough, and it’s costing the club as they can’t pull it together when it really counts.

It has to be frustrating for the Arsenal supports, as they know the depth of talent in the squad is enormous. It’s obvious to everyone that things have to change for the team to win trophies. But what needs to happen? Does Wenger need to leave? Do Arsenal need to buy players from other leagues like how Manchester United and Chelsea do? I’m not convinced that’s the answer.

Arsenal’s problems boil down to a lack of experience in their youngsters and not enough elder players in the squad. Their captain, Cesc Fabregas, is only 22 years old. Leadership comes with experience, and he lacks it. Yes, he played in the World Cup for Spain and in Euro 2008, but he wasn’t even a starter for either campaign. Theo Walcott is a wonderful talent but is only 20, and lacks game experience as he was hurt for a good bit of the year. The aforementioned Gibbs, 19, has not been a first team regular all season. Defender Johan Djourou, 22, also hasn’t played much this year. The only reason he’s in the starting 11, is because William Gallas is hurt. Midfielder Alexandre Song, 21, hasn’t been a starter for long and it shows as he gives up too much possession. Left midfielder Samir Nasri, 21, is only playing because Tomas Rosicky has been hurt the past year. I think you get the point.

Arsenal should be really good in the future, but in the modern game the mentality is about winning now, and the Gunners aren’t doing it. The team should be exciting to watch over the next few years, but it could be at the expense of a manager that is all about the “beautiful game.”

Last night’s display was anything but beautiful.

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