Out all night
Bayern Leverkusen fans hope to celebrate after Aviva match
A GROUP of Bayern Leverkusen fans in Dublin for the Europa League Final hope to be celebrating all night long – as they have no accommodation for after the match.
Dominik Notzel, who was in the capital yesterday with his pals, believes Xabi Alonso’s men will continue their unbeaten streak and be victorious at the Aviva Stadium.
The 25-year-old said he plans to guzzle at least 30 beers while cheering on the German side today before catching a flight back home early tomorrow.
The football fanatic, who was letting loose at the Fan Festival in Dublin Castle yesterday, said he liked the city but found it expensive.
He told the Irish Mirror: “I think the beer is very good but very expensive compared to Germany but the city is very beautiful.
“We’re very hyped for the game. Atalanta are very strong but I think Leverkusen will win by 3-0 because they’ve been so invincible all season.”
Dominik who travelled to Dublin with pals Nils Watzlawik, Yannik Andre, and Alex Wadenpohl said they booked a hostel on Tuesday but will “have to party through the whole night” this evening before catching a 6am flight.
The German pals are among more than 48,000 Bayern Leverkusen and Atalanta football supporters who will descend on Dublin today ahead of the Europa League Final – which is the second biggest in European club football. Gardai said a
“large scale” policing plan will be in place for the event with as many 3,000 officers set to be deployed to keep fans safe.
Cops will also have a water cannon at their disposal which they borrowed from the PSNI after the Dublin Riots.
Officers from the Public Order Unit, Air Support Unit, Mounted Unit, and the Armed Support Unit along with regular officers will be on hand to make sure things run smoothly.
STANDBY
A large number of officers in the Public Order Unit will also be on standby before and after the game incase of any trouble.
Tonight’s clash will kick off at 8pm and the Aviva turnstiles open at 5pm.
Also at the Fan Festival was Atalanta fan Samuele Cattaneo who touched down at Dublin Airport yesterday morning and made a beeline for the event.
The 21-year-old, who was enjoying a tipple with a group of pals, said he thinks the Italian side is capable of upsetting the Germans who are favourites to win.
He told the Irish Mirror: “I’m really looking forward to the game. It’s going to be good but I think Atalanta will win. I’ve been to Dublin a couple of times and I like it here, so it’s great to come back and hopefully watch my club win the Europa Final.
“I spent around €500 in total on flights, accommodation, and match tickets but it’s worth it.”
Lord Mayor of Dublin Daithi de Roiste declared he would be cheering on Leverkusen and said they’re victorious “every day of the week”.
Speaking at the Fan Festival, he said: “This is what Dublin is about … the city is absolutely buzzing.
“I just think it’s great seeing so many people in Dublin enjoying everything and sure look we even have the weather today.”
The Aviva Stadium was selected as the venue for this year’s Europa League Final after Dublin was stripped from hosting games in the Euro 2020 because of Covid restrictions in place in Ireland at the time.
It will also stage several games during Euro 2028 after the UK and Ireland were selected as hosts.
The Lord Mayor added: “What this does is it tees us up for the next Euros and we’re really looking forward to it.
“It’s going to be absolutely amazing and it shows Ireland can do great big sporting events.”