Playing in the Europa League can take you to places in Europe which aren’t particularly on the beaten track, so the fact that this year’s final is being played in Baku is arguably appropriate.Arsenal and Chelsea will contest the showpiece match in the capital city of Azerbaijan on Wednesday night – a game you can listen to LIVE on talkSPORT – but the location has attracted plenty of criticism.
Getty Images - Getty6
Getty Images - Getty6Fans start petition to move Europa League final from Baku to Wembley
So there’s been plenty of controversy surrounding Baku but the show must go on.And we at talkSPORT.com have had a look at some interesting facts about Baku, as well as what the city has on offer to the travelling Arsenal and Chelsea fans who have made the long trip.
Factfile
- Baku is the capital of Azerbaijan and is the lowest-lying capital city in the world (28m below sea level).
- It is the biggest city in the Caucasus region, and also has the largest urban base on the shores of the Caspian Sea. It is nearly 2,000km from both Moscow and Istanbul. It is further east than Baghdad, the capital of Iraq.
- The Olympic Stadium, completed in 2015, is a host stadium for the European Championship in 2020 (three Group A matches and a quarter-final).
- Baku launched a bid to host the 2016 and 2020 summer Olympics but were eliminated at the first stage by the International Olympic Committee.
Google Maps6Where to stay
If you’re planning to go to the final and haven’t sorted out a place to stay, then you ought to get your skates on.But there are plenty of hotels and hostels being advertised in Baku, some for as little as 2 a night!However, the city has undergone a great deal of development over the past few decades so there are some nicer places to stay, with the Sapphire Hotel charging 920 a night for one person. Breakfast is included but it is located around 14 miles from the stadium.
Getty Images - Getty6Culture
For those of you into your history, fans can take a look at the walled old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It boasts the 15th-century Shirvanshahs Palace, home to the Shirvanshah dynasty that ruled the region between the ninth and 15th century.At night, a number of Baku’s modern buildings are illuminated, including the city’s iconic Flame Towers which are certainly a sight for sore eyes.
Getty Images - Getty6Eating and drinking
And for those of you who consider yourself a foodie, there are similarities between Azerbaijani cuisine and Turkish and Iranian dishes.A classic meal in Azerbaijan is pilaf, a rice dish flavoured with saffron and mixed with meat or vegetables.As for drinks, The Independent recommends The Dalida and The Old School Cafe to get your range of local delicacies and adventurous alcohol.
Old School Cafe Facebook6
Chelsea news: Blues boss Maurizio Sarri free to sign Gonzalo Higuain for one reason CHELSEA have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Gonzalo Higuain because AC Milan will not take up the
Gonzalo Higuain transfer to Chelsea 'agreed' on six-month
Cardiff Met Uni FC hero dreaming of Manchester United tie as student team makes Europa League preliminary round When Kyle McCarthy put his name down to join Cardiff Metropolitan University's football team nobody could have predicted they'd get to a point where they might face the likes of Manchester United,.. talkSPORT - Published 3 days ago
Steve Bruce should succeed Jose Mourinho as Manchester United manager, says Paul Ince. The Red Devils are without a manger after sacking Mourinho on Tuesday morning. By Joe Coleman
Jose Mourinho sacked: Steve Bruce should be next Man Utd boss
Chelsea cult hero Eidur Gudjohnsen wants to see more of Callum Hudson-Odoi, insisting the Blues are better when he plays. The former striker, who made 263 appearances for the west London club
Chelsea are a better team when Callum Hudson-Odoi plays
sportsalert.org/2019/04/06/chelsea-are-a-better-team-when-callum-hudson-odoi-plays-insists-blues-legend-eidur-gudjohnsen/
Chelsea cult hero Eidur Gudjohnsen wants to see more of Callum Hudson-Odoi, insisting the Blues are better when he plays. The former striker, who made 263 appearances for the west London club, believes the 18-year-old winger is ready to feature more regularly after finally earning his first Premier League start against Brighton.
Chelsea are a better team when Callum Hudson-Odoi plays
'Ivan Perisic wants to go abroad, but there are no suitable offers': Inter Milan reveal they have not received right bid for Arsenal target. Arsenal are keen to bring in Ivan Perisic and he is
Arsenal news recap: Kevin Malcuit's agent admits Arsenal
Rangers winger Ryan Kent facing ban after punching Scott Brown in the face | JOE.co.uk. It was a busy day for Scott Brown Rangers winger Ryan Kent is facing a lengthy ban after escaping a booking for punching Scott Brown during Sunday's feisty
Rangers winger Ryan Kent facing ban after punching Scott
Nov 11, 2018 · I t's derby day, it's Sunday, and the teams for Manchester City versus Manchester United are with us. Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho have been making nice in the build up to this match but it is
Manchester United vs Manchester City predictions: Man City
Luke Shaw has praised Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for bringing positivity and attacking football back to Manchester United. It is less than two weeks since the Old Trafford hierarchy called time on Jose
Luke Shaw hails 'positive' Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, admits mood
Gordon Banks: England's World Cup-winning goalkeeper dies aged 81
Jan 22, 2019 · Chelsea may not get the loan deal for Gonzalo Higuain completed in time for him to play against Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg, with concerns about rushing him straight
Gonzalo Higuain flies in with Chelsea in desperate race to
Best Premier League XI outside top six, including Wilfired Zaha and James Maddison. admin May 7, 2019. Quality. Will these top-flight stars be playing for bigger
Best Premier League XI outside top six, including Wilfired
0 Comments