IN PICTURES – At Brest Expo, Brest supporters set the fan zone on fire

They managed to warm up hall 1 of Brest Expo, this immense and cold 8,250m² hangar transformed for the occasion into a sports stand. The Stade Brestois fans set the mood throughout this gala evening, their eyes glued to the giant 15×8 meter screen. Jean-Christophe wouldn't have missed this for anything: “This is a historic moment for Brest and experiencing it in communion with all Brest residents is even better.”

“We have nothing to be ashamed of”

Come as a family with children, with friends, or with colleagues, everyone expected a difficult match without forbidding yourself from dreaming of a new exploit. And indeed, the Brestois suffered on the pitch of FC Barcelonaconceding a first goal on penalty in the 10th minute

The fan zone pushed with all their might, screaming at each of the rare breakthroughs of Eric Roy's men in the Catalan defense, celebrating each Marco Bizot save as a goal. But there was no miracle (3-0). “I'm not disappointedreacts Jacques. We have nothing to be ashamed of, it was a very good match. In any case, we will go to the play-offs. And then there are still three games left…” Joy is “very very proud of the Brest match. We defended well, and we had a good time, it was great”.

This first fan zone since the start of the European adventure of Stade Brestois, initiative of the city of BrestEast unanimously welcomed. “It’s really a great idea, and it was very well organized”applauds Kassandra.

Clarisse particularly appreciated the atmosphere and conviviality: “All the people are super happy to live this adventure and share it, there is a fantastic enthusiasm in the city. We should do that in every match.”. The town hall has already announced the organization of a new evening for the other shock against Real Madrid on January 29, at the Arena this time.

A third of those registered did not come

The only downside: the compulsory reservation system may need to be reviewed: a third of the 5,700 registered participants did not attend, to the detriment of many supporters who were unable to get a place. Alone 3,792 people were therefore able to attend. The evening is nevertheless “a great success” for Emmanuelle Hérichard, the director of Brest Expo. “There was no technical hiccup, the match was broadcast without interruption from start to finish. People found themselves there and the promise was kept.”

Given the circumstances, the supporters were hardly in the mood to celebrate. As soon as the final whistle blew, they massively rushed towards the exit and the room emptied in a few minutes. At 11:20 p.m., there were only around twenty people left, even though the doors were supposed to close at midnight.