When your heart is red and white: Bayern fans firmly believe in a magical night against PSG

FC Bayern fans travel from all over the world to support their team at away matches – even if they have to travel hundreds of kilometres on the Autobahn or by rail, or across oceans and deserts. We want to get to know those who spare no effort or expense to see their beloved Bayern away from the Allianz Arena a little better: our away fans with their special stories, their love and their passion for FC Bayern.

It’s matchday! Champions League, semi-final first leg, Paris Saint-Germain vs. FC Bayern. There's a palpable mix of tension and anticipation for a very special night hanging over the French capital. Here, where crowds of tourists marvel at the gigantic Eiffel Tower and the impressive art in the Louvre, one topic outshines everything else today! Whether by the Seine, in the picturesque parks or in the cafés and bars – everywhere you go, it's the same question: Who will take the first step towards Budapest?

For Nico (22) and Hannes (20) from Coburg, whom we meet at the Eiffel Tower in glorious weather, there’s only one answer to that! “I firmly believe we’ll make it to the final and then win the cup,” says Nico with absolute conviction. From a young age, the hearts of these two Franconians have been red and white – not red and black, as their proximity to 1. FC Nürnberg might suggest: “I became a Bayern fan through my father, who used to go to the Olympiastadion. I’ve never seen the Max-Morlock-Stadion from the inside, and I don’t need to,” says Hannes.

Today, their passion burns especially bright

The two friends have known each other all their lives. Whether at primary school or at the football club – one thing has always united them: their love of FC Bayern! Today, that passion is burning brighter than ever. Early on Tuesday morning, they set off via Frankfurt for Paris to cheer their team on at the Parc des Princes in the evening, alongside nearly 3,000 other Bayern fans

What impresses them most is the team spirit within the club, which is currently being reflected in a special way on the pitch. “The team is always the star. At other clubs, some players make themselves seem more important than the club itself. That’s not the case at Bayern; it’s the team that wins the matches and titles, not individual stars,” Hannes stresses.

“Our success proves us right”

Nico emphasises that he particularly likes the approach of relying on young, home-grown talent. “I always think it’s best when players from our own youth academy make it to the first team and keep getting better, as with Aleks Pavlović, for example.” Hannes adds: “Our current success also proves this system is the right one, and that we should continue to expand our work at the Campus.”

The fact that the two members had managed to get tickets for the huge match at PSG did lead to a bit of a celebration. “We weren’t expecting it, but somehow we got lucky and were naturally absolutely delighted,” says Nico with a twinkle in his eye. The pair are something of a lucky charm for FC Bayern, having also been at the Allianz Arena for the quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid.

Dreaming of the final in Budapest

However, this is Nico and Hannes’ first Champions League trip away together. “We’ll just go with the flow for now and have a look around the city. The absolute highlight is, of course, tonight – that outshines everything else,” says Hannes. “Hopefully we’ll take the first step and make it to the final next week!” Then the pair will be back at the Allianz Arena – and perhaps Nico and Hannes will soon be telling their very own Budapest story.

The facts on the clash with PSG: