Liverpool fans were dreaming of Champions League glory as they turned their city into a sea of red ahead of the hotly-anticipated showdown with Real Madrid in Kiev today.
After a week dominated by the frustration of Liverpool supporters who were unable to travel to the Ukraine for the final of Europe's elite club competition, the big day arrived with anticipation at fever pitch among those who stayed on Merseyside.
Two travel companies axed flights, leaving diehard fans scrambling to find a way to travel to Kiev.
For those who couldn't make it, the party was already underway in pubs and bars in the city centre.
Shops and streets were decked out in red banners, scarves and posters, reflecting Liverpool fans' belief that by full-time in Kiev they will be celebrating the club's sixth European Cup and first since 2005.
"There's this momentum around the city," said Danny Byrne, 43, doing a roaring trade in flags and scarves outside the club's Anfield stadium where fans were gathering to watch on a giant screen.
"There's this real belief that we're going to do it and it's our destiny. All the stars are aligned."
- 'Hell of a big game' -
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Cars with flags lapped the stadium honking horns to cheers, with one female fan hanging out of the window, chanting "Allez, Allez, Allez" -- the title of the season's favourite fan chant that goes: "We've conquered all of Europe/ We're never going to stop."