Real Madrid fans gracious in defeat

YouTube: Madrid fans unbowed after their 4-0 defeat; Liverpool fans enjoy themselves in Madrid

As the floodlights dimmed on Anfield’s lush turf and Real Madrid’s faithful refelcted on their 4-0 defeat at the hands of Liverpool in he UEFA Champions League, it was evident that an event of this magnitude was not lost on the visiting supporters. Seeking solace, some made their way to The Albert pub, just outside The Kop: a fans' mecca, with walls strewn with scarves from the furthest footballing nations.

In defeat, football fans can become negative, despondent and grief-stricken but, in this case, Real Madrid’s fans were quite the opposite. They were swapping shirts and scarves, singing songs, even chanting ‘Torres’ deep into the night. This set of fans knew what happened that evening was special, and they applauded it.

“We love Liverpool, I have spent the whole day in the city and every Liverpool fan I have spoken to has been amazing,” said 29-year-old, lifelong Madrid fan Armand Carrion. After visiting Anfield for the first time, he has now become not just an admirer of Liverpool’s footballing prowess, but a fan of the city as well. Over-awed by Anfield, and the friendliness of the people, he said: “What a night! The Kop were very loud, incredible, I couldn’t believe the noise. We have been here for two days and I have enjoyed every minute of it.” And remember... they had just been beaten by four clear goals, 5-0 on aggregate.

Liverpool fans mixed and sang with the Bernabeau collective, learning new Spanish terminology for their troubles, and looked on attentively as opposing fans joined them in the celebrations. Liverpool fan Peter James said: “It’s been great, they’re not bitter at all. They understand that Liverpool played out of their skins tonight, and I think they know the best team won.”

By far the most over used term of the evening by both Liverpool and Madrid fans was: ‘El Nino’, referring to Liverpool goalscorer Fernando Torres’ nickname ‘The Kid’. This evening proved he was anything but. Sharp and alert to every ball played, his display was mature and one of total confidence in his ability. Mr Carrion said: “Torres is one of us, he is a Madrid boy and we always follow our own players. He was at Atletico (Madrid) but one day he will play for Real. He will.”

The Madrid fans continued to chant deep into the night and new friendships were forged, Facebook discussed and names exchanged as the night rolled on. But the most important feeling taken from this evening was that Liverpool’s fans had found kindred spirits. They were on a level playing field with the fantastic fans of Real, and although a club of Madrid’s stature had visited Anfield and been defeated, a comradeship had begun between both sets of supporters, a testament to the honourable following of two celebrated football teams.