Futebol match in Portugal

Hi Grace - I've never tried to get tickets to a match in Portugal, but I have seen matches in Germany, England, and Italy and consider them some of the highlights of my trips to Europe. The passion of the fans is amazing.
I've had success going on the team's website and also buying them from either a concierge or a fan outside the stadium (be careful as most countries outlaw scalping).

I can't help with tickets (I'd suggest starting with the team's website, then go to the stadium a day or two before if you can) but I can highly recommend a match in Porto if you can d oit. We were there back in 04 for the European championships and the Dragao Stadium in Porto is the nicest I've ever seen a match in.

Ahem on Dragon Stadium was there during Euro 2004 as well, it's a fine piece of architecture! Very similar in style to the LA Coliseum; very open feel.

Thanks for the encouragement! The reason I posted on here was that I'd already been on their website and the internet without seeing any link except to this weekends match or viagogo.
The good news- I went to a pub last night to see the USA vs. Mexico game and asked around... found someone who's friend books European Futbol adventures and they are hooking me up with their friend today!! I'll be in Paris Tuesday for the PSG vs. Barcelona FC Champions League match and, fingers crossed, that will be my first experience :)

And I've requested a stadium tour in Porto and Lisbon :)

Wow! A Champions League match, you don't mess around! Enjoy...those are the best match-ups!

Well... you know :) I've played and loved soccer since I was a little girl and this is my first solo trip since my daughter left for college. I had an epiphany this weekend while planning this trip to Portugal/Spain that there was something missing from Rick Steves idea of a perfect trip and I am now one of the happiest girls in the world!

I'm not a huge soccer fan, but I enjoy it and was lucky enough to watch the World Cup championship match back in 2006 on a huge screen in Varenna's square when Italy and France were in the final match. Anyway, it was a blast and sort of a once in a lifetime, unplanned experience, and it made me want to attend a match at a stadium in Europe someday. This morning on NPR, they had a piece about the Americans playing the Mexicans in Mexico City...American fans were having a great time surrounded by 100 security guards in their section according to the report with Mexican fans yelling at them, etc. It sounded pretty exciting and reminded me that I want to go to a match in a foreign city someday. Enjoy your trip!

It can be a memorable experience but, depending on the match, you do need to take care. Our local team here plays in Serie B (second division) and some of the matches I've been to, I've seen fights, flares thrown on the field, etc. Champions League matches can sometimes be dangerous (especially if an English team is playing) since the visiting team's fans usually travel en mass, spend all day drinking before the match and start trouble. Barca and PSG fans aren't usually a problem though so you should be fine. Of course, a quarterfinal match in the Champions League will be very expensive so check prices first (if there are even any still available). I'll be watching the match wondering what could have been as Barca knocked out my team (Milan) in the last round...

Kind of related, so I hope it's ok to ask here... We are going in 2014 arriving Friday May 30 - I have been trying to find out if there are games then or if the season is done, but I have had a really hard time navigating the websites. Would there be any games then? I am guessing maybe that Sunday June 1 is the best shot - or is it already over? We will be in Venice that weekend, leaving Monday for Rome. We would be fine seeing a "lesser" team than the ones where all the craziness occur! Are those calmer? Thanks!
Kim

http://www.fbcunionevenezia.com/calendar/6/1 If you will be in Venice, their last match is 5/12 so you will miss their season. On another note, I found two (2) places in Italy that I loved and would suggest you visit - not in my tour guides and made Venice special for me. The Frari has a Titian among other cool things about it. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Maria_Gloriosa_dei_Frari Pasticceria Rizzardini had the best prices on cappuccino and their pastries are insane! You can find it reviewed on TripAdvisor with a location. I stumbled upon it looking for the Frari.
Both of these saved Venice for me - we were there May 11-14 and it was freezing cold and very expensive compared to Rome. Let me know if you haven't found a place to stay and I'll give you the link to our place. Sooo close to St. Mark's and a great deal.

"....American fans were having a great time surrounded by 100 security guards in their section according to the report with Mexican fans yelling at them, etc. It sounded pretty exciting and reminded me that I want to go to a match in a foreign city someday...." Even though I couldn't make it this year, I was at Azteca Stadium four years ago for the same World Cup Qualifier. He's video I took exiting the stadium after the match (the locals wanted to tear us apart): http://youtu.be/UPLf3fVevws http://youtu.be/JE65Z9nl6qU It was a crazy two days!