From early afternoon, the atmosphere at Porte de Saint-Cloud—adjacent to Parc des Princes—transformed into an open-air fan zone. Thousands of supporters, including many young fans from Paris and its suburbs, had already gathered, some even wading into the fountain to cool off in the scorching sun. Their goal? To create a festive atmosphere while beating the heat.

Chants echoed through the air, with the iconic « après tant d’années… » ringing out loudest. Fumigènes and colorful smoke added to the spectacle, while two chants dominated the crowd: « On veut la deuxième » and « Dembélé Ballon d’Or ». The energy was infectious, with fans ranging from local Parisians to Brazilian supporters who traveled for a taste of last year’s triumphant vibe.

With kickoff just hours away, the mood was lighthearted, with some fans playfully engaging with the nearby riot police officers stationed around the stadium. The anticipation was palpable, a mix of excitement and hope as the city geared up for a potential historic night.