The Superbowl. The New England Patriots. The Seattle Seahawks. The Cambridge Union. It promised to be immense.

When Superbowl XLIX kicked off at 11.30pm, the debating chamber was more or less full – and, impressively, it continued that way for the next three and a half hours. With big screens, food and beer, the event itself hardly disappointed. The only potential deflation was a blow out, a Seahawks vs Broncos type of Superbowl. Yet Seattle’s 43-8 domination of Denver last year could not be further from what panned out. 

This Superbowl had it all. There was history: Tom Brady won his fourth Superbowl and third Superbowl MVP, breaking or tying eight Superbowl records, and (if he wasn’t already) he is now undoubtedly in the hunt for the best Quarterback of all time. There was underdog romance: Seahawks’ Wide Receiver Chris Matthews made his first career receptions for 105 yards, including a touchdown; undrafted rookie Malcom Butler rescued the Patriots with the game-winning interception. There was Lynch in 'Beast Mode'. There was 'Gronk' in the end zone (though no spike this time). There was inspirational play calling: Pete Carroll’s decision to go for a touchdown with only six seconds left in the first half, which tied the game at 14-14. There was absurd play calling: Pete Carroll’s decision to pass the ball into the end zone in the dying moments of the game. There was a comeback: the Patriots seemed to be down and out, losing 24-14 heading into the Fourth Quarter. There was a collapse: the Seahawks should’ve, could’ve, would’ve won…  And not to mention there was Katy Perry at half time.

Fast forward to the Fourth Quarter, with 1:16 remaining on the clock. The Seahawks are down 28-24, with the ball on the Patriots 38 yard line. Quarterback Russell Wilson launches the ball down the right sideline towards Wide Receiver Jermaine Kearse. History looked to be repeating itself when Kearse fumbled, jumbled, bobbled-four-times but miraculously caught a 33-yard pass bringing the Seahawks within striking distance of the end zone. Flashback to David Tyree’s infamous 'Helmet Catch' of 2007 and Mario Manningham’s sideline grab in 2012: both in the Superbowl, both against the Pats, both unbelievable catches which seemed to confirm that fate was not on their side. It was déjà vu. But this time fate had other ideas. Unfortunately for Kearse, he will only go down as a footnote in Superbowl history.

It all came down to one play, which is now being referred to by some as the worst call in Superbowl history. 2nd Down, 26 seconds left, the ball on the 1 yard line. The Seahawks happened to have in the backfield the NFL’s best running back in Marshawn Lynch, who scored the most touchdowns during the regular season. A second consecutive Superbowl win seemed inevitable. It was even possible that the Patriots would intentionally allow the Seahawks to score in order to get the ball back with enough time left to score themselves. But the Seahawks decided to pass! And, of course, the quick slant was intercepted by Butler to seal the victory for the Patriots.

Almost. Tom Brady simply had to kneel without being sacked – by no means a simple task with the ball within the 1 yard line. However, a senseless encroachment penalty against Seattle meant any hope of getting the ball back via a safety was out of reach. It was game over. New England were Superbowl Champions!

The lack of sleep was worth it.