Liverpool fans at La Maison Blanche ahead of the UEFA Champions League Final at the Stade de France
(Picture: PA)Liverpool fans arrived in Paris from up to 1000 miles away on Saturday as they prepared to support their football club in the Champions League final.
Among those touching down in the French capital for Saturday’s crunch game was the Mindel family from Melbourne, Australia.
“The flight took 24-hours, but it was worth it for a game like this,” said Alyssa Mindel, 27, who has supported the Reds all her life.
“You don’t spend 24-hours on a plane expecting your team to lose, so we’re hoping for a great game and a good win.”
Daniel Mindel, 17, said: “We were super lucky to get tickets and found accommodation pretty easily too.
“We belong to a Liverpool friendship group, and members are coming to the game from all over the world.”
Kim Cunningham, 27, and her brother David Cunningham, 18, were over from Dublin.
They also expected a “very exciting game,” said Kim.
“I think we’re looking at either 3-2 to Liverpool, or 2-1,” added Kim, who said the family had been fans of the club, which traditionally has huge support in Ireland, all their lives.
Welsh Liverpool fans Dominic Breen, 50, and his son, Connor Breen, 24, were in Paris after journey from the Valleys, and also fully expected a win.
“We’ve both been big fans all our lives,” said Dominic. “We get to as many games as we can, and I expect a draw in this final, with Liverpool to win on penalties.”
Among the Real Madrid fans was Hashem Alfadhli, 53, who was wearing a half-and-half Manchester United and Real Madrid shirt.
“It’s my tribute to Christiano Ronaldo,” said Mr Alfadhli, who is from Kuwait. “Ronaldo is the best player in the world right now, and he made his name with both clubs.
“I know Liverpool fans won’s like my shirt, but it’s just a bit of fun.”
Yazan Yahya, 24 and from Dubai, said he was confident super striker Karim Benzema – who is French – would lead the Spanish Champions to victory on home turf.
“His name is on the cup this year – he’s been brilliant, and he’ll make sure Real win,” said Mr Yahya.
