DIFFERENT LEAGUE
CARDIFF WINS PRAISE FROM THE WORLD AS BALE’S REAL SECURE STUNNING CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WIN
WALES has been dubbed the number one nation on earth for punching above its weight in hosting major sporting events after the phenomenal success of the Champions League final.
Saturday’s Real Madrid versus Juventus showpiece was described as a perfect 10 out of 10 occasion by First Minister Carwyn Jones.
“Small nation, small city, big welcome,” he declared, as fans of the two football giants and Uefa powerbrokers left Cardiff bowled over by the incredible experience they had witnessed.
Gareth Bale’s Real Madrid lifted the trophy, courtesy of two goals by superstar Cristiano Ronaldo in their 4-1 triumph, but the other winners on the night were Cardiff and Wales.
Months of planning and preparation came to fruition to such an extent that asked to give Wales a mark out of 10 for how it handled the final, the First Minister responded unhesitatingly: “Ten. You wouldn’t expect anything else, would you?
“Everything went exactly as it should have done. Despite painstaking planning, there are some things you can never bargain for. Will the fans behave? Well yes, they were great. Will the transport network be good? Again, that went well. People visiting our country for first time left with an extremely favourable impression. The feedback I was getting was a very positive one from just about everybody.”
He added: “Sometimes we have to pinch ourselves at getting these events. The Ryder Cup, the Champions League. Very few countries of our size can host an event of such magnitude.
“For our size, we are the premier sporting nation in the world when it comes to hosting events. I almost get tired of saying this, given we have put on so many big occasions down the years, but it’s true.
“When the Millennium Stadium, as it was known back then, was built in 1999 some people were saying what waste of money, it’s a white elephant, what’s the point? Well I think it’s fair to say the stadium has more than paid its way.
“If I had said to you 20 years ago we would be hosting the Champions League final in Cardiff, you would have laughed. But host it we did. And I have to pay tribute to everybody involved. The FA of Wales, the city council, lots of others too. In South Wales Police we have a body accustomed to dealing with major sporting events and, of course, something of the size of the Nato summit. They did a superb job.
“We’ve got the stadium and the Government here to drive it, and that last bit is key. The FAW are to be commended for having the ambition of wanting to bring the game here, but needed a Government prepared to make it come to fruition. These things each have come together to make the success of Saturday night possible.”
Every top football official in European football descended upon Wales for the most-watched sporting match on earth and football bosses, Welsh politicians and administrators knew they couldn’t afford any slip-ups.
Mr Jones said: “Wales delivered – and we delivered very, very well, The feedback has been hugely positive. I was at a dinner with Uefa officials on Friday night and they were bowled over at being inside Cardiff Castle. My speech to them was ‘Small nation, small city, big welcome’ and I think that sums it up.
“They saw that for themselves, though. They were remarking on how friendly the police were, how helpful the security personnel were. You don’t always get that in other cities.
“They loved the stadium, its city centre location, the city itself and the Welsh hospitality. We definitely proved the doubters wrong.”
Accepting there were massive logistical challenges to overcome, with fans having to come in from London and Birmingham because of lack of hotel space in South Wales, the First Minister said: “Time is the key thing here, not distance. It’s two hours from Paddington to Cardiff Central, once here you’re pretty much straight into the stadium, unlike in other cities where grounds can be miles away. That’s not a bad time scale, you know.
“Generally we’ve had good feedback from Uefa officials and supporters about everything. We have proved again we deserve to hold world-class sporting events here.
“The atmosphere was truly fantastic. Okay, it went a bit flat in the last 15 minutes at the Juventus end because of what was happening on the pitch.
“But the sheer cacophony of noise with the roof on made it one of those events where they say your ears are ringing afterwards. Phenomenal.”
He concluded: “Lots of people who had never been to Cardiff before went away saying ‘This is great. Fantastic setting, superb arrangements.’
“We expected 170,000 people in the city, fans coming in to enjoy the atmosphere in pubs and bars. It passed off largely without incident. We had two sets of fans passionate about their teams, of course, but who wanted to mix afterwards to enjoy the occasion.”
CARDIFF once again proved itself on the world stage after hosting a vibrant, enthralling and almost trouble-free Champions League final.
Millions of eyes were on the Welsh capital as Real Madrid thumped Italian side Juventus 4-1 at the National Stadium of Wales.
Up to 170,000 football fans descended on the Welsh capital for the fantastic footballing spectacle which more than lived up to expectations.
Reaction to the event has been overwhelmingly positive, with some of the sport’s top names giving Cardiff a ringing endorsement.
During the coverage on BT Sport, presenter Gary Lineker said: “We’ve got to say a few words about Cardiff – they’ve put on a great show.”
Former England and Liverpool captain Gerrard replied: “Unbelievable show. We’ve been down the Bay. It’s been great. It’s been a credit to everyone in Cardiff.”
And fellow former England star Ferdinand added: “They’ve obviously had security issues but they’ve handled it fantastically.”
Even though the Welsh capital wasn’t short of a few critics when it was announced as the Champions League final venue two years ago, it has since been praised as the host city.
Even Gareth Bale, who became only the sixth player ever to win the Champions League trophy in his home city, had time to praise final’s organisation.
Bale, along with his jubilant teammates, celebrated with their families on the pitch after the game.
Fans then spilled out onto the streets of Cardiff to take in their club’s brilliant win and an end to a memorable campaign.
Speaking on the pitch just moments after winning, 27-yearold Bale said: “The city have done an immaculate job in hosting such a great event.
“At one point it looked like I wouldn’t make it to the final. I’ve worked tirelessly and this is the reward you get.”
Security around the event was very much heightened after recent terrorist attacks in both London and Manchester.
But fans in the city centre, and in the Champions League festival in Cardiff Bay, created a fantastic atmosphere.
Social media users also took to Twitter to thank Cardiff for organ-
ising such a lively weekend.
Posting on Twitter, Adam Coyle said: “Cardiff was superb yesterday. Organised perfectly. Atmosphere brilliant. Well done @cardiffcouncil @Uefa.”
Samuel Ellis Rees added: “Big shout out to the #Uefafinal organisers in #Cardiff and security – police and stewards alike – for keeping the city safe, moving and happy!”
Huw Thomas, leader of Cardiff Council, said the atmosphere was “world-beating”.
He said: “I would like to congratulate Real Madrid for their victory in the Uefa Champions League Final on Saturday.
“What a game and how fantastic for everyone in Cardiff and Wales to see Gareth Bale lift the European Cup in his home city.
“I would like to thank everyone that has worked so hard to make this event a success.
“The planning and effort to put on something this big and run it so smoothly while keeping everyone safe from harm often goes unrecognised.
“All the partners involved, and of course our wonderful city, have done the Uefa Champions League proud and shown the globe how great a place Cardiff and Wales is.”
The Champions League was broadcast in more than 200 countries across the globe.
And South Wales Police said there was only a small amount of criminal behaviour.
The force confirmed that three people were arrested over ticket touting, and there was also a small amount of trouble between rival fans near Cardiff Castle.
Mr Thomas added: “Holding such a prestigious event as this will have a long-lasting legacy for the Welsh capital.
“This was the biggest sporting event in the world in 2017.
“From the champions festival to the wonderful atmosphere created in the city centre and the stadium – it all goes to show – Cardiff offers something which is distinctive and truly unique.”
A MASSIVE clean-up operation was in full swing in Cardiff city centre yesterday after a day of jubilations and celebrations.
The Champions League final held at the National Stadium of Wales was a huge success with thousands of fans descending on the capital.
But despite the great atmosphere and the superb behaviour from travelling fans, the amount of rubbish and litter left on the streets of Cardiff was something to behold.
Swathes of fast food wrapping, cans, and plastic cups lined the lanes and avenues of the city in what must have been one of the busiest days it has ever seen.
Piles of rubbish and litter were building up in the major congregation area for fans, including St Mary Street, Mill Lane, Churchill Way and Castle Street.
But council workers got to work not long after the final whistle with a massive clean-up operation, the likes of which have never been seen before in the city.
Before and after pictures show the scale of the clean-up operation and
how the city was quickly getting back to normal.
Cardiff ’s city centre had been changed, adapted and decorated over the last few weeks in preparation for the Champions League final and the 200,000 fans that came with it. This included the stadium itself which was renamed the National Stadium of Wales for the event. It has now reverted back to its title of Principality Stadium and the lettering on the outside of the building was changed back yesterday.
All of the Uefa branding, signs and banners advertising the Champions League final around the stadium and the city centre have also now been taken down.
Yesterday also meant the end of the four-day Champions League Festival which had featured it own floating pitch where the likes of Ryan Giggs and Roberto Carlos played in the Ultimate Champions match on Friday.
A special temporary footbridge was built near Cardiff Castle last week ahead of the final. It meant Castle Street and Cowbridge Road East was closed to vehicles between Cathedral Road and Westgate Street while the bridge was being built and being used but the road is due to reopen today.