Gathered in their ‘fan zone’ in the center of Porto, the Chelsea fans who could not enter the Dragon Stadium but who traveled to Portugal were able to celebrate in a big way the success of the London club in the final of the Champions League, beating Manchester City 1-0 this Saturday.
Chants and festivities were unleashed with the final whistle, throwing beer through the air, amid a collective delirium of these hundreds of fans gathered next to the giant screen installed on Avenida de los Aliados, the main artery of the city center, to two steps from a giant replica of the Champions League trophy.
“I’m very happy, tonight I’m in seventh heaven!” Celebrated Kerry Wallen, a 37-year-old Londoner, celebrating the conquest of the second Champions League in the club’s history, after the title won in 2012.
“I was not very confident before the game, City were the big favorites, but our players have been incredible,” Edward Smith, from Birmingham, told AFP, as other fans took the opportunity to get Chelsea flags and decorations that were placed around throughout the ‘fan zone’.
These acts forced the forces of order to intervene to evacuate the place and remain calm during the celebrations, without resorting to force.
Chelsea fans then gathered in front of Porto City Hall with chants of ‘European Champions! European Champions! ».
“City have been terrible and N’Golo Kanté, our national pride, has been excellent,” celebrated Lenny Renault, a French Physiotherapy student in Porto.
“I’m very happy. It took me almost ten years to have this taste again, ”added Manuel Porto, a 27-year-old mechanic who arrived in Porto in the afternoon from La Coruña (Galicia, Spain).
In Manchester City’s ‘fan zone’ in the second Portuguese city, located on the banks of the Douro River, the goal of the German attacker Kai Havertz in the 42nd minute left the spirits frozen, at a time when a light cold wind began to blow.
“I have the impression that despite our good players, we will never win the Champions League,” Megan Howard, a City fan, resigned herself sad on the streets of Porto.