International Champions Cup

Sunday 24th July 2016

Kick off 14.00 Actual 14.05

F.C. Internazionale 1 Paris Saint-Germain 3,  attendance 24,147

14′ 0-1 S. Aurier

45′ + 3, 1-1 S. Jovetic (pen)

61′ 1-2 L. Kurzawa

87′ 1-3 S. Aurier

@ Autzen Stadium

2700, Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard

Eugene, OR 97401

Admission $30 + $3 fee + $3.50 Will Call ticket

No programme.

Eugene was a further 70 miles south on I-5 from my overnight base. Arriving early meant be able to park within 200-300 yards of the stadium at a cost of $25. The ticket office was on the corner nearest the parking, so my ticket was soon collected. I was quite surprised at the number of ticket touts milling around and even more so considering there were 30,000 empty seats, which was a really poor turnout. Not sure what sort of trade they drum up when tickets are so readily available.

Autzen Stadium, which opened in 1967, is home to University Oregon Ducks American Football team. Capacity is 54,000 seated, but holds 59,000 with standing room. The record attendance stands at 60,055 for the visit of Arizona State University Sun Devils in October 2011.

Inter were not exactly full of household names, although I was familiar with Jovetic due to his spell at Manchester City and perhaps much better known was their coach Roberto Mancini. P.S.G., on the other hand, had their Brazilian contingent and Frenchman Hatem Ben Arfa in their starting eleven, with Pastore, Cavani and di Maria coming off the bench. They always looked in control, even when Inter drew level, going on to win comfortably.

After the match I had plenty of time to do the 121 miles back to Portland International Airport. My flight was not until just before 1 am, but with the 2 hour time difference to gain back it meant I was still in the house before 6am.