4 p.m. In the parking lot of the Halle des Orgues in Espaly-Saint-Marcel, the supporters’ buses are gradually filling up to reach the Auvergne capital. There is already excitement in front of the line of buses specially chartered for the occasion.
More than a means of transport, it is a real human adventure which begins in these coaches heading towards the Marcel-Michelin stadium. Indeed, FC Espaly has not only relocated its football goals to Puy-de-Dôme. Yesterday, he also moved his audience. In total, nearly 2,000 residents of the city came to support the Espaviot club against the Parisian giant.
“If we win, we’re not going to go home,” says a supporter who dreams of an exploit against PSG. An illusion for many, but a few hours before this historic match, others want to believe in a miracle despite the four divisions that separate the two clubs.
“It’s a great reward for them”
The kilometers pass, scarves bearing the image of the Espaviot club are scattered throughout the bus. In a red and black setting, the first discussions begin and the predictions are going well. “I think Paris will win, we’re still talking about one of the best clubs in France,” says little Axel.
“PSG will score at least six goals,” predicts a young footballer from Espaly’s U15 team, some members of which are entrusted with a mission. In a few hours, they will collect the balls. “It’s a great reward for them, I selected the most serious and most deserving of the group,” confides Noa Malige, the U15 coach who also lends himself to the game of predictions. “If it’s 0-0 at half-time, why not start dreaming! On the other hand, if Paris scores in the first period, there will be no real hope,” analyzes Noa.
“You have to dream a little. It’s all in the mind, zero risk doesn’t exist and that’s the magic of the Coupe de France. Even the biggest can fall,” says this other supporter with conviction, red and black scarf in hand.
At the back of the bus, a small group is refining their fan chants while the Auvergne capital and the legendary Marcel-Michelin stadium are only a stone’s throw away. The enthusiasm palpable throughout the journey now gives way to a strange atmosphere, calmer as night falls.
No more sneers and predictions, faces close, as if the supporters themselves were going to set foot on the Clermont lawn. The bus door finally opens. It’s time to enter the arena, the doors of which will soon open.
Regardless of the final score, fans savor the moment. “The match of a lifetime” as they say is about to begin.
