By mid-afternoon, the plaza at Porte de Saint-Cloud — adjacent to the Parc des Princes, where the Champions League final between PSG and Arsenal will be broadcast this Saturday at 6 p.m. — had transformed into an open-air terrace of unbridled passion. Thousands of supporters, ranging from local Parisians to fans who had traveled from distant suburbs and even international visitors, gathered around the central fountain. Some waded into the shallow water, chanting and waving flags, mixing the thrill of anticipation with clever ways to cool off under the relentless spring sun.

The crowd’s energy was infectious. Chanting in unison, they belted out PSG’s classic anthems, with the catchphrase « after all these years… » echoing through the air. Smoke flares burst one after another, adding to the dramatic flair. Two chants dominated the scene: « We want the second one » — a reference to the club’s coveted Champions League trophy — and « Dembélé Ballon d’Or », a tribute to the club’s standout performer and a nod to the prestigious individual accolade.

The diversity of the crowd mirrored the global appeal of the fixture. Young fans from Paris and its surrounding banlieues mingled with visitors from as far as Brazil, all drawn by the allure of reliving the euphoric atmosphere that had swept the city during last year’s celebrations. Despite the growing excitement, the mood remained light-hearted and inclusive, a true testament to the unity football fosters.

With just hours remaining before kickoff, the interplay between supporters and the heavily deployed riot police added a touch of playful defiance. Some fans jokingly exchanged banter with the officers, a subtle reminder of the balance between passion and order that defines such high-profile sporting events.