What does it take for a fan to get to a European final? This is the story of my trip to the Europa League Final 2025 and an effort to shed light on what's involved. The first of a two-parter…
My days of travelling to games has now passed, sadly. It used to be easier for anyone to get tickets to away games... If you were prepared for the time needed to queue, in whatever way needed. Well done for putting the hours and money in. It does seem more complicated than ever. I thought the Internet was meant to make things easier!
I think it should be of interest to any footie fan, even if only faintly interested in following their team in Europe. I had been wondering about how to get tickets other than through the club, so the info is really useful as well as interesting.
Great read, I'm looking forward to part 2. I'm partway through writing my piece about my trip as a United fan. And I'd suggest your suggestion that United fans were massively outnumbered is fanciful; I could say the complete opposite, given my observations and the part of town I was in pre-game! But well done on the result, we were never at the races
Thanks. I did think about that as we all only have our own perspective. But I made the judgement on the numbers in the stadium too. Tbh I expected us to be hugely outnumbered. Anyway, hope you’ve recovered from the journey. Will look forward to reading your account.
Been on the wrong end of too many big results so I identify with that. And yes, Bilbao made an impression - Vitoria also sounds good from people who were there. Enjoy your summer break anyway.
You mentioned that the Club were offering trips via a travel operator. Any idea how much commission the Club received for each person who took advantage of the offer?
The Club has an issue disclosing any information unless it is forced to, especially financial info. Hopefully Vinai the new CEO will change things. Commercial confidentiality is fine as long as it is not wilfully used to avoid scrutiny.
This is a great read Martin. Thanks!
My days of travelling to games has now passed, sadly. It used to be easier for anyone to get tickets to away games... If you were prepared for the time needed to queue, in whatever way needed. Well done for putting the hours and money in. It does seem more complicated than ever. I thought the Internet was meant to make things easier!
I'll look forward to part two!
Glad you enjoyed it. I wondered whether it would be interesting or indulgent.
I think it should be of interest to any footie fan, even if only faintly interested in following their team in Europe. I had been wondering about how to get tickets other than through the club, so the info is really useful as well as interesting.
All the best
Great read, I'm looking forward to part 2. I'm partway through writing my piece about my trip as a United fan. And I'd suggest your suggestion that United fans were massively outnumbered is fanciful; I could say the complete opposite, given my observations and the part of town I was in pre-game! But well done on the result, we were never at the races
Thanks. I did think about that as we all only have our own perspective. But I made the judgement on the numbers in the stadium too. Tbh I expected us to be hugely outnumbered. Anyway, hope you’ve recovered from the journey. Will look forward to reading your account.
My piece, for your perusal...
https://open.substack.com/pub/jordanwilcock/p/planes-pintxos-and-a-pathetic-performance?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=130fr4
Been on the wrong end of too many big results so I identify with that. And yes, Bilbao made an impression - Vitoria also sounds good from people who were there. Enjoy your summer break anyway.
Martin,
You mentioned that the Club were offering trips via a travel operator. Any idea how much commission the Club received for each person who took advantage of the offer?
Not aware. It would be nice to think there would be some transparency on such things, but I’m not holding my breath.
I'm sure that if the commission rate was reasonable (10 - 20 per cent?) the Club would have no issue in disclosing it
The Club has an issue disclosing any information unless it is forced to, especially financial info. Hopefully Vinai the new CEO will change things. Commercial confidentiality is fine as long as it is not wilfully used to avoid scrutiny.