Pregame Grand Final: Cyprus BXL FC vs Romania

Cyprus BXL FC is making its first appearance in a BXL Euroleague today at the Stade Communal d’Ixelles (Rue Volta 18 Ixelles, 1700 kickoff), where it will do battle against Romania for the the championship title. Cyprus is in the final after an epic victory over 2011 champions Spain, a team which were everyone’s favourite to go all the way this year as well, having finished the regular season with an incredible unbeaten record.

Cyprus BXL FC are going into this game confident in everything they’ve achieved in this year’s championship, but are desperately hungry for more.

They have proven their worth against Spain and Italy in the playoffs, as well as in their impressive regular season where they were the surprise act just behind the top four.

Cyprus finished the season with the second-best defence of the league behind Spain and a best-ever games record of 11 wins, 4 draws and 4 defeats. They left big nations with long traditions in the Euroleague behind them, such as Germany, France, UK and Poland, and are in the final despite their relative size and scant resources. This they know full well, and their chests will be swollen with pride as they walk onto the pitch tonight, winking at the shimmering trophy by the sidelines.

Romania has kicked out 2010 champions Sweden in the semis, having drawn against them twice, 1-1 and 3-3. They have the second best attack of the league, standing at a whopping 82 goals – only one less than frontrunners Spain that got 83. Their two strikers have an incredible scoring record of 25 and 24 each, and they will want to repeat their murderous ways tonight as well. Their defense on the other hand is nothing to write home about, being the 12^th worst in a league of 20 teams with 39 goals against. Their own ambitions for the title are a given, topped also with a hefty dose of just desert, Romania being a team that has been hovering around big-time distinction for some years now.

From the regular season Cyprus BXL FC - Romania game, where Romania won 4-2.

Be that as it may, the Cypriots will travel to Ixelles with their loud and colourful supporters and, as in every game, they will give blood and soul for victory. Que sera sera and other clichés are good tension diffusers, but they know full well that history usually only remembers the winners.

Their oath to themselves and to each other is to be NOTHING OTHER THAN THAT.

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