Kochi: As Arsenal faced Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in last night's UEFA Champions League final, Kerala's passionate Gunners supporters transformed Kochi into a mini Emirates Stadium.
Although Arsenal narrowly missed out on the title after a penalty shootout, the enthusiasm of the fans gathered at Le Meridien Kochi never faded. Until the final whistle, supporters sang, cheered, and applauded relentlessly for their team. The atmosphere created by Arsenal fans in Kerala rivalled that of some of Europe's biggest football stadiums.
The screening of the Champions League final was organised by the Arsenal Kerala Supporters Club at Le Meridien. Initially expecting around 400 attendees, organisers saw registrations surge to more than 1,000 fans following Arsenal's Premier League triumph. As a result, the event had to be shifted from a smaller hall with a capacity of 400 to a much larger venue. Even then, all seats were filled, forcing organisers to close registrations early.
Apart from Kochi, screenings were also organised in several major cities across Kerala, allowing Arsenal supporters throughout the state to experience the occasion together.
Coming to UEFA Champions League (UCL), Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) became only the second club to successfully defend the UEFA Champions League (UCL) title after defeating Arsenal 4-3 in a thrilling penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra time in the final at the Puskas Arena in Budapest.
The French champions held their nerve from the spot after Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães smashed the decisive penalty over the crossbar, handing PSG a historic back-to-back Champions League triumph.
For Arsenal, who ended a 22-year wait to reclaim the Premier League title this season, the search for a maiden European crown continues.