European football fans were thrilled.
They thought this year's highlight was only the Champions League.
To see whether Bayern Munich, having made it to the semi-finals for three consecutive years, could finally fulfill their aspirations.
Or if Valencia, the surprise Bat Army that had reached the Champions League final two years in a row, could win their first ever Champions League trophy.
But unexpectedly, the Europa League turned out to be just as exciting.
Or even more so.
Liverpool and Sporting Lisbon, whoever became the champion, might follow in Manchester United's footsteps and become the next "Treble" winner.
Of course, all this was predicated on the successful completion of the last round of the Portuguese league four days later.
It was rumored that Sporting Lisbon had requested a postponement of the final round of the Portuguese league to better prepare for the Europa League final.
Because there was only a two-day gap between these two match days.
