The Dream Is Over

A game of "what ifs...". The history books will read an aggregate of 4-2 in favour of the Portugese side, but the balance of the two games was much closer than that in the end. Sporting won 1-0 on the night in Lisbon, but it was Boro who deserved to win the game, against the odds putting up a spirited display and being unlucky not to go ahead at several points in the match. The home goal surely only a result of Boro pushing 3 strikers on in vain hope of a late brace; things could have been so different if Job had had the luck to get a better contact as he slid into a cross from Nemeth at point blank range. Jimmy Floyd was yet another big absentee, and before the match no one would have given us a cat in hell's chance! But the lads can raise their heads up high having shown grit and resolve to at least compete at a very high level. And we did get to play in the stadium that will host the final, that's some small concellation. It would be nice if Sporting now went on to lift the trophy, just to emphasise how close we were. Newcastle, however, looked extremely strong, beating Olympiakos 4-0 at St. James' and 7-1 on aggregate, and they must surely fancy their chances now with a bit of luck in the draw... Well, it's been a terrific journey and a taste for more must spur us on to that Uefa place next season, when we can come back with more experience and even more determination. Well done Boro! Kx