REPORT – They say that revenge is a dish best served cold… The city of Liverpool and its proudest footballing representative took this adage literally to welcome Real Madrid. Story of a pre-match like no other.
In just a few hours, Liverpool became the capital of the entire world. Historically very open in terms of immigration, the city was quick to welcome the reigning European champions to its most beautiful temple.
Liverpool, ultra-confidence displayed
From our first steps in the city of Liverpool, the city is adorned with its most beautiful red finery. Only 4 degrees on the thermostat, but the atmosphere in the city at midday is already geared towards the evening event: the clash between Liverpool and Real Madrid. Probable compositions, predictions, flags and scarves at the edges of the windows: everyone's attention and tension are directed in the same direction!
Nestled between two Scousers who vehemently insult each other, we meet Olivier, a Reds supporter who came from Bordeaux especially for the match. Calmly, he shares with us his impressions for the upcoming confrontation:
“I'm really confident. Real Madrid is experiencing several major injuries, while we are enjoying good momentum in the PL (Premier League, Editor's note) and the Champions League. I see a 3-1 victory for Liverpool”.
Tobey, a Reds fan who traveled from New Jersey, unknowingly shares a premonition with us. Connor Bradley, Trent Alexander-Arnold's replacement at right back, constitutes one of the keys to the match for him:
“It will be able to contain Kylian Mbappé, I am sure of it. He can give us extra energy that the team will need!” Visionary…
A city where excitement and worry mix
We take a small time jump of a few hours to arrive at 6:30 p.m. (local time), or 1h30 before the match. Small shops to purchase scarves, hats and other LFC-related products are already set up. The steaming smell of burgers and hot dog stands shyly warms our cheeks. The bars around Anfield are already busy. We are approaching the most anticipated poster since the draws for the championship phase of the Champions League.
Not far from the entrance to the famous Kop Liverpudlian, we meet Miguel, a Real Madrid supporter who has lived in England for several years. The latter confides to us his concerns about his Real Madrid:
“The team has bounced back in the league, but we don't know if what we saw will be enough against Liverpool”. Regarding Kylian Mbappé, he adds: “He worries me a little. I didn't expect such a complicated start. I hope he has a good match now that he has the left side going for him”. A testimony which contrasts with the excitement of the local supporters, who are flocking more and more towards the stadium.
Some take the time to add to their Instagram account, posing in front of the frescoes of local legends: Steven Gerrard of course, Ray Clemence, Roberto Firmino, or even John Houlding (founder of the club). Liverpool's active players are not left out, with murals dedicated to Luis Diaz and Trent Alexander-Arnold. The spirit is good-natured, and despite the cool weather, the city and its supporters are warm and impatient to take their revenge.
Real Madrid remains on one last historic success at Anfield (5-2) in February 2023, the biggest defeat in Liverpool's history in C1 at home. Because revenge is a dish best served cold, Liverpool and its supporters are ready to face the injured Madrid beast and hope for a prestigious success against the title holders of the competition. The temperature was freezing, and their wish came true.
Abdoulaye D.
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