‘It’s our destiny’ — Fans paint Liverpool red ahead of Champions League final

Liverpool (AFP) – Liverpool fans were dreaming of Champions League glory as they turned their city into a sea of red ahead of the hotly-anticipated showdown with Real Madrid in Kiev on Saturday.

After a week dominated by the frustration of Liverpool supporters who were unable to travel to the Ukraine for the final of Europe’s elite club competition, the big day arrived with anticipation at fever pitch among those who stayed on Merseyside.

Two travel companies axed flights, leaving diehard fans scrambling to find a way to travel to Kiev.

For those who couldn’t make it, the party was already underway in pubs and bars in the city centre.

Shops and streets were decked out in red banners, scarves and posters, reflecting Liverpool fans’ belief that by full-time in Kiev they will be celebrating the club’s sixth European Cup and first since 2005.

“There’s this momentum around the city,” said Danny Byrne, 43, doing a roaring trade in flags and scarves outside the club’s Anfield stadium where fans were gathering to watch on a giant screen.

“There’s this real belief that we’re going to do it and it’s our destiny. All the stars are aligned.”

The showdown in the Ukrainian capital — 1,400 miles (2,300 kilometres) east of Liverpool — follows a momentous season which has seen the Reds plunder 46 goals in 14 games, making it back to the Champions League final for the first time in 11 years.

But to lift the famous trophy, they must stop holders Real winning the competition for a third successive year in a confrontation some fans see as a David and Goliath climax to an historic season.

“Underestimate the underdog and you get bitten,” warned 56-year-old fan Arthur Tutte, showing off his Liverpool FC tattoo outside Anfield.

In the morning, packed trains arrived at Lime Street station, spilling chanting fans who have made the pilgrimage to Liverpool onto platforms.

– ‘Hell of a big game’ –

The centre of the city — already busy during the British bank holiday weekend — was a sea of red football strips, with Liverpool’s Egypt striker Mohamed Salah a clear favourite as his number 11 shirt was proudly worn by many fans.

Salah has scored 44 goals in all competitions to lead Liverpool back to the Champions League final thanks to memorable wins over Manchester City and Roma in the quarter-finals and semi-finals respectively.

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