Jeddah’s restaurants and cafes were gearing up Thursday and Friday to be a part of the event. Most of the city’s men-only cafes are likely to be packed during the match.
“It’s a treat to watch football fans supporting their teams so passionately, and basically it is good business too,” said the manager of one cafe in Jeddah’s Rawdah district.
Many family sections will also be airing the match live, and legions of fans have booked their seats well in advance.
“My father and brother support different teams, but the most exciting part about the game is coming together and celebrating football. May the best team win,” said Abdul Zaheer, 28, while sitting in a sports bar in Jeddah. Who would he like to see win?
“Man U. Because it is the best,” he said with a grin.
Tawfiq Majeed, 30, stopped just short of endorsing Barcelona.
“Barca’s midfield is their strength,” he said. “They keep the ball in the middle. But Arsenal has shown that Barca is prone to weakness against counterattacks and set pieces. Plus, I think our Barcelona manager is a classic. Josep Guardiola has many women supporting Barcelona too.”
Ahad Hamza, 26, had Manchester United stickers and miniature flags on his car. He told Arab News that he planned to watch the dream final at home with his friends on a projector screen.
“Manchester United is going to win,” he said. “We are the champions. It is English champs against the Spanish champs. Best of the best, head-to-head at a historic arena. I can’t wait for the game. We will be chanting slogans ingrained in our brains. United is invincible and I am a ‘Man-Ucian’. Man-U for life!”
Mahmoud Abbas, 35, said he was backing the Spanish champs.
“I am going to watch it with all the guys. I told my wife to excuse me from everything. There is no way I am participating in any household, shopping or driving chores. This game is going to be epic. I want no disturbance; I have been looking forward to that for a long time.”
Hassan Ali, 22, sported a Man-U jersey in a sports cafe in Jeddah.
“I told my boss I am leaving and, if he says anything I will take sick leave on Saturday,” he said. “Fergie all the way. United for life.”
Ali was referring to Alex Ferguson (alias Fergie), who has become one of the most successful managers in English football history with 27 major honors since 1986.
Salman Hussein, 23, another hardcore Manchester United fan, told Arab News he feels even though Barcelona are the favorites, Manchester United have a plan to avenge the defeat they faced two years ago to Barca.
“We have Giggs, Rooney and Chicharito in top form,” he said. “It is the only English club to have been world champions, in 1999 and 2008.”
Mohammed Sultan, 22, said Messi, the Spanish enigma, has what it takes to beat any rival.
“Barcelona is ‘mas que un club’ (more than a club). ‘Don’t mess with Messi’ might be Barca’s line but we all know Fergie has what it takes to make his team win any championship. Barcelona favorites Pique, Xavi, Pedro, Iniesta, Villa, Puyol, and Valde are champs in their own right. Watch out Manchester.”
Barcelona has won 21 La Liga titles, a record 25 Spanish Cups, nine Spanish Super Cups, and two League Cups. It is also one of most successful clubs in European football, having won 10 UEFA competitions.
However, Manchester United is still to date the most successful club in English football, winner of three European Cups, a record 19 league titles, 11 FA Cups and four League Cups.