Though declared a high-risk match by the police, the hours leading up to the UEFA Champions League final in Munich have passed largely without incident, instead offering scenes of camaraderie between PSG and Inter Milan supporters.
Munich, the capital of Bavaria and the cradle of German football’s renaissance in the 1970s, has been Europe’s premier football host over the past year.
Following Euro 2024, which saw major clashes such as Spain versus France in the quarter-finals, its Allianz Arena is now the stage for the Champions League final between PSG and Inter Milan – hosting Europe’s two most prestigious football competitions in quick succession.
Football flows through Munich’s veins. Just a year ago, the city was awash with shirts from across Europe’s national teams, and now it welcomes a sea of PSG and Inter fans, both sporting shades of blue.
The locals stroll through the city with the ease of those accustomed to the presence of football supporters, their songs, loud chants, and myriad languages becoming a familiar sight in recent years.
The travelling fans from Inter and PSG alike are enjoying the relaxed atmosphere and the well-prepared facilities of a city that is no stranger to major events. Munich’s experience of hosting not only Euro 2024 but also two massive Taylor Swift concerts earlier in the year has equipped it well to manage the crowds.
A trouble-free evening
On the eve of the final, Munich’s historic centre – particularly Marienplatz – struggled to settle down. Packed with Italian and French fans mingling peacefully, it became the focal point for dinner and drinks, extending the festive atmosphere late into the night.
As usual, the city has designated two official fan zones to prevent any potential clashes. Groups of police officers, as part of a sizeable German security deployment, patrolled the city’s landmarks to ensure the smooth running of the club football’s most prestigious event.
The first night in Munich passed without incident, with a festive spirit prevailing in areas where fans came together. While the presence of so many visitors might initially appear to be an inconvenience for the locals, it has also been a source of celebration, bringing a much-needed economic boost to the city.
Hotels, bars, and shops across Munich are enjoying a surge in business, with Inter and PSG fans filling city centre venues well into the early hours. Hotel occupancy has reached near full capacity.