I understand a significant minority of Man U fans were rooting for Man City to win that one. Which, in my view, was stupid, because a win for Man U could have significantly increased their chances of qualifying for next season’s Champions League, which is much more important than which other team wins the title. So not really close enough to the OP. Personally, as Man U fan I couldn’t understand this attitude anyway - Man City are more local, have had more recent success, and are just as much hated rivals as Liverpool in my book. I’d far rather see Liverpool win the league this year.
In terms of the OP, I voted Team C.
That’s basically the same situation as the OP, but you indicated you voted for Team A, which contradicts your post.
Oh, I should also mention that my team’s rivals are not the same thing as the teams I dislike. Like, the Browns’ primary rivalry is the Steelers, and given the choice, I’m absolutely, unambiguously, without hesitating, rooting for the Browns… but if the Browns aren’t playing, then I’ll also absolutely, unambiguously, without hesitating, root for the Steelers over anyone else.
I don’t think I could watch my team, see them pull off a spectacularly successful play, and feel disappointed. What I want first and foremost is to have my team play well.
If they lose, the fact that it sticks it to my hated rival softens the blow quite a bit, though.
This would be when I fall back on the “Fan of the sport” position. Watch the game, and enjoy all the good plays regardless of which team makes it*. Win or lose, A or C, the outcome still has its positives, and I personally end up having a lot more fun.
*It’s like watching a Superbowl without the Patriots playing. I don’t care who wins, as long as it’s not the Patriots.
I’m currently in a sort of similar situation in real life. As a Spurs fan I ordinarily want Arsenal and Chelsea to lose every match they play. But if we win this week to advance to the Champions League final, I would actually like to see them advance to play each other in the Europa League final, just to rub it in!
If that were to happen though, you would be giving the gooners a chance at CL play next year, and also assuring one of them a European trophy, whilst Spurs would still be heavy outsiders against Barca.
