The prospect of a confrontation at Old Trafford aroused a palpable fervour among the fans of Olympique Lyonnais, marking a significant return to the European scene after a period of famine. This meeting, following a victorious qualification against the FCSB and against Manchester United, quickly sparked a craze, with airline tickets to the north of England coveted as soon as the calendar was announced. Some, like Mathieu, anticipated the price increase, rushing to secure their trip despite a price surge reaching €350 round trip. This ticket search was also experienced with anxiety, as testified Loïc, who looked forward to the opening of the ticket office, fearing a shortage of seats.

Travel, though costly, is seen as a unique opportunity to discover Old Trafford, a mythical stadium that inspired generations of Lyon fans during the Premier League retransmissions. For some, this trip represents a key moment, a return to European summits after several contrasting seasons, marked by the adventure of Final 8 in Lisbon during the pandemic and confrontations with prestigious clubs like Manchester City and FC Barcelona. This match is of particular importance for the oldest, who remember with nostalgia the exploits of the golden era of OL, and for the new generation, for whom this meeting could well be the first major European move.

With a little over 2,500 Lyon fans present in Manchester, the atmosphere looks electric. They aspire to live this experience fully, to create compelling memories that will link them to the history of the club and the greatness of Manchester United. Beyond the sporting issue, this trip represents an immersion in a rich heritage, a moment of communion between fans and the club, and a celebration of OL’s return to Europe.