Champions League football: Prepositions of time

Bayern Munich have been very lucky throughout the season after getting off to a slow start under their new manager, Louis van Gaal. Their greatest luck is meeting Inter Milan rather than the heavily favoured FC Barcelona in this year's Champions League final in Madrid on 22 May. Inter Milan haven't been in the final since 1972 or lifted the trophy since 1965. As Louis van Gaal admitted: "Playing Barca, we would probably lose nine out of ten matches."

Not everyone on the team is happy about the events leading up to the game. Star midfielder Franck Ribéry, plagued by muscular problems and involved in a sex scandal, was banned for three games in the semi-final first leg after receiving a red card for fouling Lyon striker Lisandro López. That didn't stop the team. In the second leg, Lyon were leading when Bayern striker Ivica Olić scored his first goal on 26 minutes and a second one midway through the second half before completing his treble on 78 minutes. By the time this season is over, Olić may well be trading up in the world of football.

One of the best human-interest stories this football season is of the two managers who will be facing off in Madrid. Inter's José Mourinho is looking forward to seeing van Gaal, whom he befriended while the Dutchman was his boss at FC Barcelona. They've stayed in touch over the years. They'll share a man hug before and after the game, Mourinho told the press. But during the match? They'll put their friendship on hold until the game is won.

Study the text above for the use of prepositions of time. Then do this week's exercise on the next page.

Anne Hodgson