Glasgow hosted this year's Uefa Cup Final between Espanyol and Sevilla and what an occasion that it proved to be, not even the Glasgow rain could dampen the spirits of thousands of our Spanish friends who had come to watch their favourites in our city.

Sevilla were the holders and many people's favourites particularly after the city of Seville hosted the 2003 UEFA Cup Final between Celtic and Porto and although Celtic were beaten and only just by Jose Mourinho's side, it did not stop the Celtic faithful forming many bonds and friendships with Sevilla fans and their beautiful city.

Sevilla would have the support of their friends in green for this match and they returned the favour when Celtic legend and UEFA ambassador, Billy McNeill walked on to the pitch with the UEFA Cup. The fans in the Sevilla end chanted "Celtic" and this prompted a "Rangers" chant from the Espanyol end but this was nothing more than good healthy banter as these two clubs showed nothing but respect for each other after a fascinating encounter.

 The players would not face the temperatures that Celtic and Porto faced in 2003 when the players faced 100 degrees heat as the match kicked off but this was Glasgow what more could we expect on such a May night. The fans had been partying in Glasgow all day at their prospective selected areas but now was the time for the action to start and what a match it was!

The match was a very entertaining encounter which flowed from end to end and left those inside Hampden Park and millions around the world, totally engrossed as this match had everything. Great goals, a sending off, great skill, fantastic goalkeeping and passionate fans on both sides who made the occasion even more friendly and special with their constant singing and backing of their teams. In truth this was a match to behold and a joy to attend, I am just glad I was lucky enough to attend such an occasion.

The match ended in a 1-1 draw with both teams scoring fantastic goals. Sevilla went in front when a long throw from Palop reached Adriano and he ran from inside his own half and advanced into Espanyol half and coolly slotted the ball past the helpless Iraizoz but their lead only lasted 10 mins as Espanyol hit back with a great goal of their own when Riera forced his way into the Sevilla box and his shot with the aid of a slight deflection, flew past Palop in the Sevilla goal. There was no more scoring but the chances kept coming but the two men between the posts just kept keeping them out, with Palop in particular in fantastic form turning a Riera swerving shot onto the bar for an outstanding save.

Kanoute had a chance to win the match just before the end of 90 minutes but blasted his chance over the bar but the fans were not complaining as another 30 minutes was now on the cards as the match went into extra time. That miss was soon forgotten as that man Kanoute gave Sevilla the lead again with a simple tap in and again the Sevilla fans went wild thinking this time they had recaptured their trophy but they or many inside Hampden had not seen this spirited Espanyol side now down to ten men after Hurtado had been given a second yellow card, show their true fighting spirit. They had not come all this way to lose out now and with five minutes left in extra time a fantastic strike by Jontas levelled the match at 2-2 and now this cup would have to be won on penalties.

  This would be were one man would make himself a hero and he would be the Sevilla goalkeeper and man of the match Andres Palop who made three penalty saves to ensure that Sevilla kept hold of their trophy. What a great night, even though Sevilla had won the match and in all their excitement, their fans and how friendly and wonderful they were, still had time to chant "Espanyol,Espanyol" at the final whistle to the runners up. Now I ask you, would you hear that sort of thing at an Old Firm match ?? This was a great occasion in every sense of the word and I hope Glasgow gets the chance to host even more European Finals in the future and Sevilla and Espanyol and your fans are welcome back anytime !

Sean Graham