A top class football match is what I was looking forward to when I boarded my brilliantly named ‘germanwings’ aircraft to Berlin to watch the sixth UEFA Women’s Champions League final.
By Kieran Theivam (@Wosozone) 
But when entering the airport terminal in the German capital, I was not greeted by a sea of FFC Frankfurt shirts, or even those of local men’s team Hertha Berlin. No, what my eyes were exposed to was an English stag do donning t-shirts with Lionel Richie’s face on and the words, “Hello, is it me you’re looking for?”
No Lionel, I certainly was not looking for you and your ‘lads’, I was looking for something much more romantic – the Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Sportpark, the stadium hosting the sixth Women’s Champions League final, between FFC Frankfurt and Paris St Germain.
I’ll be honest, when a short tram ride from my hotel brought me to the home of BFC Dynamo, what greeted me wasn’t a thing of beauty, more an office block I’m more familiar with in the opening credits of The Office.
But never judge a book by its cover – there was a buzz in the air and in the stadium.
PSG was competing in its first European final, while Frankfurt was looking to become the most converted club in history by winning its fourth title (combined with the UEFA Women’s Cup).
A tall order for PSG, almost as tall as those walking around on stilts to hype up the crowd outside the ground, but what PSG had was the confidence of having dumped arch rivals Lyon (who won every game in the French league this season) and holders Wolfsburg out of this year’s competition.
On entering the press area, it was packed. I’ve been to many a women’s football match and have sat in a number of press boxes – never had I seen so many fellow journalists, cameras and microphones in one area. This final was a big deal for Germany, but the French were not in any mood to play the role of ‘the bit on the side’ – this was huge for them too.
The atmosphere in the stadium was bouncing. This was not one of those sell outs where you see empty seats everywhere – the stadium was full (from what I could see) and both sets of fans were up for getting behind their side.
We even got a glimpse of German legend Steffi Jones, who came on the pitch to parade the trophy – many of those in the stands will be hoping she’ll be lifting many more when she takes over from Silvia Neid next year as Germany Coach.
Despite PSG winning the battle in the stands, it was Frankfurt who came out flying on the pitch as the game got underway.
However, the underdogs were not looking to play the role of Bridesmaid – they wanted to be at the alter with the prize, which looked possible as the sides went in level at half time.
The second half was much the same, Frankfurt on top and PSG, or keeper Katarzyna Kiedrzynek to be more precise, simply refusing their opponents advances.
Alas, it was Mandy Islacker’s late goal that broke the hearts of the French, and meant Frankfurt would be the team the rest of Europe’s elite would be looking to emulate.
(Action Images)
The triumph was Head Coach Colin Bell’s first Champions League title, and the first won by an English coach in men’s or women’s football. I asked him how he felt about that?
“I can’t believe it to tell you the truth, I didn’t even know that, I’m very proud.”
“I’ve loved living in Germany just over 30 years, but I still feel English in my heart.
“It’s just unbelievable when you think of all the top names and top coaches working in professional football, and it’s little known Colin Bell who is the first English guy to be in a Champions League Final.”
So Bell gets his first title, Frankfurt their fourth, which now makes it three German winners in a row (Wolfsburg won the last two).
As for PSG, they’ll have to be the bridesmaid for one more year at least, but with rumours of high profile recruits on the way (Anja Mittag being one), they’ll be back.
So in summary, I did find what I was looking for. A well contested football match between two well setup teams.
It wasn’t fate for PSG on this occasion, but Frankfurt’s love affair with the Champions League goes on.
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