Bluestreak vs The Black Swans was Europa League semi number 1 and it was the Swans who made a fast start. Bluestreak keeper Gerry managed to tip a shot onto crossbar but Swans were on hand to slot home the follow up and grab a one nil lead. At the 18 minute mark, the Swans were breaking away in a two v two situation. The low driven cross didn't find a team mate but the back rushing Bluestreak defender nearly directed the ball into his own net only for Gerry to gather. On a blustery evening in the north campus, a deep free kick delivery nearly caught the Swans keeper out only for the crossbar to intervene. 15 minutes from time, Bluestreak got the crucial equaliser. In the 55th minute, a shot from 20 yards out from Lukas hit to cross bar. The ball rebounded towards a Bluestreak player who without much time to react directed a header at the keeper. The game finished 1-1 and penalties were to be the decider. Bluestreak were knocked out of the Champions League last week after a shootout defeat versus Wembledines, was it going to be penalties heartache two weeks in a row? Both teams started out well converting their penalties without fail. It took sudden death to separate the sides and it was Bluestreak who prevailed to book their place in the Europa League final
In the other semi, Brazuca and Barely Athletic played out an finely balanced game. In the 9th minute, Lee received a squared ball and shooting across his body dragged his shot just wide. Wesley broke the deadlock for Brazuca to go 1 up. In the 45th minute, Barely broke down the right side and fired a shot at the keeper. The keeper got a hand to it but the on rushing Barely striker was there to finish it off and grab the crucial equaliser. Brazuca battled back and managed to create a chance for team captain Hector. No mistake from Hector and Brazuca were back in the lead. Barely threw the kitchen sink in the dying minutes but Brazuca remained resolute clearing any balls that found their way into the box. In the dying minutes, Brazuca added one more courtesy of Mike to give a final score of Brazuca 3-1 Barely Athletic.
In the night's Champions League semi-finals, Wembledines got the better of Sporting Viking running out 3-1 winners. In the 21st minute a ball was played down the right channel. Despite being isolated, the Dines man managed to protect the ball well enough to give his team mate enough time to make the run into the box. The crucial pass was found and the chance was finished and Wembledines were ahead. Dines kept the intensity high and in the 27th minute some nice interplay in the Viking half lead to Dines's second goal. With half time on the horizon, Dines couldn't keep Sporting Viking at bay. A minute before the half, Sporting were awarded a penalty with no complaints coming from the Dines defenders. The penalty was rifled home and 2-1 looked a much tighter affair than Dines would have liked. Around the 45 minute mark, Dines went close a couple of times but couldn't find the finish to add the crucial third. In the final quarter of the game, Sporting Viking started commanding more possession and constantly tested the Wembledines team. In the 54th minute, Dines got some breathing room when a glanced header from a set piece delivery found the net. Sporting Viking couldn't find a couple of late goals and it is Wembledines that progress to the Champions League final.
In the other semi-final, league champions Team Lightning faced off against Polonia Limerick. In a tough battle, it was clinical finishing that proved to be the difference at Lightning ran out 3-0 winners. Both teams created chance and had plenty of the ball, but Lightning were the ones a bit sharper in front of goal. Renato opened the scoring to give Lightning the lead in the first half. Mick Evit took advantage of the windy conditions when he swung in a corner that went straight in to double Lightning's lead. Mads rounded out the scoring as Lightning will look to do the double next week.
Next week sees the culmination of the season with the Champions League, Europa League, and Intertoto Cup finals. In the Intertoto Cup, Alfies Heroes meet Cappaquigley Athletic. Alfies last secured silverware in the 2022 Europa League final whilst the medical students will be hoping to earn a trophy in their maiden season. Bluestreak - who are off the back of two Champions League titles in a row - will hope their cup final experience will stand to them as they take on Brazuca Legends in the Europa League final. The Brazilians have been hit and miss at times this season, but will surely fancy a one off game to finish their season with a bang. And in the main event, the Champions League final sees two of the old guard Wembledines and Team Lightning lock horns. Wembledines were league champs in the previous two seasons whilst Team Lightning finished on top this season. Both teams have plenty of pedigree in the Cup too, Wembledines won three in a row from 2017-2019, the team to prevent them doing 4 in 2020? Team Lightning. It all unfolds next Friday...