I’ve watched hundreds of Premier League matches in my life. I’ve analyzed them, debated them, lived them. But nothing! absolutely nothing! could have prepared me for what I experienced in the UK, courtesy of Guinness.
From the moment I stepped out near Stamford Bridge, I could feel it, a tension in the air. The kind that makes your skin tighten and your heartbeat rise. Liverpool vs. Chelsea, two giants, two fanbases, hundreds of thousands of supporters buzzing with anticipation. The title may have already been decided, but the rivalry? Oh, that was still alive and kicking. And I was right in the middle of it.
Walking into the stadium, something shifted. The noise outside turned into an orchestra of official club chants. I got goosebumps. Real, uncontrollable goosebumps. And I thought to myself, “This is it. This is the Premier League experience I’ve waited for all my life.”
And then… the match. Let me tell you, seeing these stars up close is surreal. Not just on the pitch, but even in the hospitality center. I shook hands with Gary Cahill. Glen Johnson was seated literally behind me. I spotted Freddie Ljungberg, Peter Schmeichel, Jaap Stam… players I had grown up watching. Suddenly they weren’t legends on a screen, they were right there. Just a few feet away.
But nothing, nothing, topped that Guard of Honour moment. Short as it was, it was electric. As a Man United fan, I had mixed emotions. Part of me was chuckling watching Chelsea line up to clap for Liverpool, and part of me couldn’t help but respect the tradition. It was beautiful, one of those moments that reminds you why you fell in love with football in the first place.
I know what you’re thinking, was it weird watching Chelsea and Liverpool play while being a diehard United fan? A little. But I didn’t care. This was top-tier football. Premier League football. The kind that grips you regardless of your allegiance. Sure, United losing to Brentford that same day didn’t help my mood (trust me, I noticed), but nothing could ruin this experience.
There were no expectations. I went in blind, and maybe that’s why everything hit so hard. The VIP treatment Guinness gave us from Entebbe to the UK was unmatched. First-class all the way, flights, hotels, transfers, the seats just behind the technical benches… and not to forget, meeting the players just before they walked out. I even found myself staring at them thinking, “Wow, they’re just regular guys… with serious game!”
What surprised me most? How warm and welcoming everyone was. From the stadium staff to the players, it felt like they’d been expecting me. That’s the magic of Guinness; they made sure I didn’t just watch a Matchday; they made me part of it.
So, here’s my message to every football fan out there: if you ever get a chance to experience Guinness Matchday, grab it with both hands. Follow Guinness on social media, stay tuned for when they announce the next #GuinnessMatchdayLive, and make sure you’re ready. Sometimes, all it takes is enjoying a cold Guinness and showing your passion for the game.
Trust me, this isn’t just a football trip. It’s a dream come true, one I’ll be chasing again and again.
Thanks to Guinness, the game has changed for me, forever.
