Budapest braces for PSG v Arsenal Champions League final | OneFootball

Budapest felt strikingly calm on Friday as it awaited Saturday’s Champions League final between PSG and Arsenal, kick-off 18:00 at the Puskas Arena. According to L'Équipe, early waves of English fans arrived while the city carried on much as usual.

The city still evokes Euro 2021, from Buda Castle and yellow trams to e-scooters and violins along the Danube. The Marriott where France stayed still faces the river.

A rock concert set the tone downtown, yet few locals seemed gripped by the football. Most travelling supporters from both clubs were expected in the hours ahead.

In the pedestrian streets the first stirrings appeared. Arsenal fans, gathered in clusters, nursed pints under the watch of burly Hungarian police, their shirts spanning generations from Sol Campbell to Bukayo Saka.

Paris fans are set to number about 20,000 inside the stadium, many meeting from 11:00 at MTK Sportpark. On Friday they looked outnumbered, though shirts of Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia and Doué were visible. The CUP ultras were quiet, yet terrace chants bubbled up. Outside the centre, Kertem beer garden drew PSG followers.

PSG are based at the Anantara in the city centre, on busy avenues where passers-by paused. Around 19:00, after training, the bus dropped off Luis Enrique’s squad and about 20 onlookers gathered. Hotel and club security checked IDs. Dinner was still to come as dozens of relatives settled nearby, enjoying a mild evening before the big night.

Source: L'Équipe