Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Dortmund and Real Madrid fans take over London ahead of Champions League final

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BORUSSIA DORTMUND and Real Madrid fans have descended upon the streets of London ahead of tonight’s Champions League final.

Supporters of both clubs have headed to the UK capital in their thousands as their sides aim to become champions of Europe.

Borussia Dortmund fans have been enjoying themselves ahead of the matchCredit: Reuters
Real Madrid supporters have already descended upon Wembley for the big occasionCredit: Getty
One hopeful Dortmund fan clutches an inflatable trophyCredit: Alamy
Real Madrid fans have made their presence felt in the city centreCredit: Reuters
Lively Dortmund fans let off yellow flaresCredit: Alamy

Hours before the game, both sets of fans have been seen getting merry.

Drinks have been flowing among jubilant supporters dreaming of glory.

While many have decided to get away from the Wembley area in order to take in the best touristy spots.

Plenty of Dortmund fans rode an open top yellow bus around Piccadilly Circus.

And some even let off flares around the famous London hotspot.

Hordes of their Real Madrid counterparts, meanwhile, headed to the Champions League Festival fan park at Trafalgar Square.

Some fans clutched inflatable trophies, while dreaming of their team’s captain raising the real thing tonight.

Others headed to Regent Street to check out an alternative fan park.

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While some even grabbed selfies in front of the Houses of Parliament.

And one Real Madrid fan in particular could be seen beaming as he proudly lifted his scarf in front of Big Ben.

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Those that did head to Wembley hours before the game could be seen in high spirits.

Real Madrid fans could be heard belting out Beatles classic “Hey Jude” on Wembley Way in honour of their English superstar Jude Bellingham.

Supporters of both clubs eagerly posed with their mates for snaps outside of Wembley.

But only one set of supporters will still be smiling come tonight’s conclusion.

Piccadilly Circus has been full of Real Madrid supportersCredit: Reuters
Dortmund fans have also made their presence feltCredit: Reuters
The Trafalgar Square fan park has been packed with excited supportersCredit: Alamy
Dortmund fans have been a sight to beholdCredit: Alamy
One Real Madrid fan proudly raises his scarf for a snapCredit: Rex
Two Dortmund fans pose for a selfie in front of the Houses of ParliamentCredit: Getty

Bellingham, 20, has already become the “King of Real Madrid” during his first season in the Spanish capital – and winning tonight would truly cement his status.

Fellow Englishman Jadon Sancho, meanwhile, has been on a redemption mission during the second half of the season back at Dortmund, and could give Erik ten Hag plenty of food for thought with a top performance.

Sancho, 24, isn’t the only English winger that will take to the field with BVB this evening.

Talented 19-year-old Jamie Bynoe-Gittens could also make a big impact for Dortmund under the Wembley arch, only 40 miles or so from his Reading birthplace.

While both teams have young guns going for glory, they also feature wily veterans aiming for one last hurrah.

Toni Kroos is set to play his last game for Real Madrid before retiring after Euro 2024, and would find winning another Champions League a fitting way to sign off.

His midfield pal Luka Modric may also leave Madrid after this match, with his contract up at the end of the season.

On the other side, Marco Reus is going for what would be a fairytale ending to his 12 years at Dortmund – the 35-year-old having already confirmed that he is leaving this summer.

Pundit Jamie Carragher, meanwhile, was on the beers with Dortmund fans last month ahead of their semi-final win over Paris Saint-Germain.

And last night he reunited with the BVB faithful, drinking with the lively bunch in London.

Whoever wins this evening, the stage is set for an unforgettable occasion.

Jamie Carragher has reunited with Dortmund fansCredit: X @CBSSportsGolazo
Jude Bellingham can cement his status as ‘King of Madrid’ this eveningCredit: PA
Toni Kroos and Luke Modric are hoping for one last dance in midfieldCredit: Getty
Felix Nmecha, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens and Jadon Sancho prepare for the gameCredit: Getty
Marco Reus will bring an end to 12 years at Borussia Dortmund this eveningCredit: Getty

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