By Peter TownsonFootball fans in Doha gathered to watch Manchester United take on Barcelona in one of the most eagerly anticipated European Champions League finals in history at a number of venues across the city last night.Hotels proved particularly popular with groups of fans, who gathered to watch the matches on big screens at the numerous outlets throughout Doha, with some groups also choosing to organise private events at hotels.Some local companies used the opportunity to invite premium customers to screening events, such as QNB which hosted an event at La Cigale hotel.The recently launched FC Barcelona supporters club in Doha held an event at the Ritz Carlton hotel to allow supporters to get together and watch the match as a group – their first major gathering since their launch last week.Cafes and coffee shops also screened the matches, with some fans choosing to take the chance to enjoy a bite to eat while watching the game.Football fever has hit Qatar since the successful World Cup 2022 bid last year, and fans from all over the world have been gearing up to what Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has said could be the best final in a decade.Gulf Times spoke to a number of fans ahead of the match to find out their plans for taking in the biggest night in European club football.A British fan, watching the match at home with friends, explained that he was looking forward to the game even though he does not support either of the teams.“I think you just have to respect both these teams, regardless of who you support, because they have been the best in Europe this year and they both have such strong traditions,” he said.Another fan recalled his experience of a major footballing event when he travelled to watch the World Cup final in Berlin in 2006.“The walk up to the stadium on nights like that is just amazing, and there is a special aura on final nights,” he said, explaining that he would be watching the game at a private event in a hotel.“The best thing about these kinds of occasions is sharing it with your friends, so I have chosen to go to a gathering with friends and family to watch the game on the big screen,” he said, adding “hopefully there will be a bit of an atmosphere for what should be a great match.”People of all ages and nationalities were enjoying the buildup to kickoff last night, with many perhaps looking forward to another major footballing final scheduled to happen in Qatar in the not-too-distant future. People watching the game on the big screen in Souq Waqif. PICTURE: Nassar T K