Dimitar Berbatov, the former forward for Bayer Leverkusen and Manchester United, discusses his preferred game day meals and anticipates Matchday 3 of the UEFA Champions League in the inaugural episode of the Just Eat Matchday Menu series.
Berbatov highlights the upcoming match between Barcelona and Bayern Munich as the must-see event of Matchday 3. He notes, “They are two of the biggest clubs in the world. I always enjoy watching Barcelona, especially with Robert Lewandowski on their roster.”
Bayern Munich has their own standout striker in Harry Kane, who currently leads the Champions League in scoring with four goals. Berbatov expressed excitement for the showdown between the two forwards, stating, “It’s going to be a battle of the No9s.”
Historically, Bayern has dominated their recent encounters, winning the last six Champions League matches against Barcelona. Former Bayern coach Hansi Flick oversaw one of the most notable victories, an 8-2 rout during the 2019/20 campaign, but he now seeks to change that trend from the Barcelona sideline.
On Matchday 3, Berbatov is also keeping an eye on Florian Wirtz, a player who made his debut for Germany under Flick in 2021. “He’s someone who can score goals and provide assists,” Berbatov says. “He’s always moving and searching for space.”
Wirtz will be competing against Brest on Wednesday while playing for Bundesliga champions Leverkusen. “What Leverkusen achieved last season was incredible,” says Berbatov, who spent five years at the club. “They are building on that success this season.”
When it comes to meals that accompany Manchester United victories, Berbatov recalls enjoying pizza as a post-game treat. “Sometimes, we would have pizza after the game. It felt like a pizza party. Someone was always eager to dive into the food.”
His indulgent meal of choice was a spicy Gamberoni pasta dish. “I would have two or three portions. I loved how spicy it was,” he added.
Berbatov fondly remembers the culinary experiences during his later years with Monaco. “There was an excellent restaurant where you could order nearly anything. They would recognize my voice when I called because I was such a regular customer.”
Reflecting on the qualities of a perfect striker, Berbatov likens players to different fruits. “First, we have mango, which represents me. Next is kiwi, symbolizing Robert Lewandowski, and finally, watermelon, representing Didier Drogba. All three of us were effective finishers, with Lewandowski still excelling. Drogba was exceptional in the air; everyone remembers his memorable Champions League header, right? That was a fantastic goal.”
He concludes, “If we combine our abilities, we could create the perfect striker.”