West Ham United play their first-ever Europa League round of 16 tie in Seville, Spain, on Thursday evening.
And in keeping with their outstanding commitment to the Claret and Blue cause, Hammers fans far and wide have made the long journey east to the grandiose Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium, where up to 3,000 West Ham supporters are anticipated to attend.
We spoke to several groups of supporters set to attend Thursday night’s historic game…
Robin & Tatiana
Property investor Robin and partner Tatiana had quite the lengthy journey to Seville, but are looking forward to the tie!
“It was long and tiring but we’re very relieved to be here and to have our tickets in our pockets!
“We set off from home at about 6pm on Wednesday to Stansted – the only problem was we had to fly to Bologna in Italy first, as it saved us a lot of money!
“We thought we’d been really sneaky… but on the flight, every other shirt was Claret and Blue! We arrived there about midnight local time.
“In the bus from the aircraft to the terminal, everybody was singing ‘Bubbles’! There were Milan fans coming back from Liverpool and we ended up singing along with them!
“We then got the plane to Seville and arrived at about 6am, but we’d made a lot of friends at the airport by then. Everyone perked up and as we landed in Seville, there was another rendition of ‘Bubbles’.
“We got a taxi to the hotel and the Supporter Services team kindly opened up a little bit early at quarter to ten, because we just wanted to get that ticket in our pocket and to relax.
“We kissed the tickets and photographed them, and then we could start to relax. We saw more and more West Ham fans with all different stories – some came via Portugal, some came via train from Madrid. A few people, like my brother, even went from Stansted to Seville – how unusual, a direct flight!
“Everyone’s been in a really good mood and relaxing in Seville.
“It’s an important game. They’re one of the favourites, so if we could knock them out… I just hope, because I’m sure the atmosphere at London Stadium is going to be absolutely electric, the job tonight will be to stay in the tie, because we don’t want to be a few goals down. Even a score draw, I’d be very happy with.
“Sevilla are a very good team, have experience in this competition as we know, and have won it six times… I’m feeling optimistic!”
Tim
Tim, a Season Ticket Holder, compared the trip to Sevilla to some of the grandest days in West Ham history…
“I left on Monday morning and flew into Malaga. I’ve been staying around a place not fair from there called Los Alamos, doing lots of walking and recuperating to get myself going!
“I had a lovely time there laying on the beach! This morning, I got the early morning train from Malaga to Seville and now I’m here with my friend Barry.
“I absolutely can’t wait. You don’t get many days like that. For me, it’s probably our biggest day out since the 2006 FA Cup Final.
“I enjoyed visiting Genk and I’m looking forward to this one too. I’m quietly confident – I fancy our chances, and let’s hope everyone has a good day out.
“I go to most away games – haven’t missed many this season – and normally am with my son Charlie. He’s in America at the moment so missing out – ha, ha!”
Del & Matt
Del and Matt are on their first father-and-son trip abroad together…
Del: “It took a while to get here, but it’s been fine!
“We flew from Stansted to Madrid last night, stayed in a hotel near Madrid station, and got the train here today, which was expensive, but fine!”
Matt: “It’s a nice experience to do with your Dad – father and son, first time abroad. Hopefully, it’s not the last!
“It’s our first Europa League game because of all the travel restrictions before Christmas. Seville seems like a great place to be.”
Del: “The last final I went to was in 1976, but we lost that one!
"It’s a tough game. I’ve got to think we’re going to win, but I’d be happy with a draw.”
Matt: “We should try and get away with a sneaky win or a draw and take it back to the London Stadium. We’ll feel more confident there.
“We’re quite good away, especially on the break – we might do some damage – so I’m feeling quietly confident in a weird way.
“We’re staying until Saturday, so we’ll have a look around and have a couple of days here after – hopefully to enjoy a win!”
Frank & Keith
Frank and Keith are excited for the contest in Seville…
“We came on Tuesday. We flew into Malaga first, and then took the train into Seville.
“We’re very much looking forward to the game. We’d take a draw from it – as long as we’ve got something to take back, that’s the main thing.
“We can’t wait to be part of the fans over here - it's looking like it'll be a great atmosphere."
