- Title: SOCCER-CHAMPIONS/BARCELONA FAN PREPS Barca fans begin final buildup
- Date: 5th June 2015
- Summary: INSIDE OF BARCA SHOP AT STADIUM SIGN READING "NEXT MATCH: BARCA - JUVENTUS" BARCA STRIKER LIONEL MESSI'S SHIRT ON DISPLAY CLOSE UP OF MESSI SHIRT VARIOUS PEOPLE AT TILLS BUYING MERCHANDISE MAN TAKING PICTURE IN SHOP (SOUNDBITE) (English) BARCA FAN ROB LAMERS, SAYING: "I think they are absolute favourites because they have such a good attacking team. No one will stop those
- Embargoed: 20th June 2015 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Spain
- Country: Spain
- Topics: General
- Reuters ID: LVA3R9GT058BFQGYW1OZO8N190HH
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: More than 400 Barcelona fans on Friday (June 5) began an 1800 kilometre journey by road to Berlin to watch their team take on Juventus in Saturday's Champions League final.
Barcelona are aiming to complete a trophy treble this season, having already won the Spanish league and the Kings' Cup.
Fans fans sang and chanted before getting on buses for the estimated 18 hour journey to the German capital to support Luis Enrique's side against the Italian giants.
Business in the club shop at the club's Camp Nou stadium was busy with shirts bearing the names of the club's South American striking trio - Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez - the most popular among souvenir hunters and fans alike.
Unsurprisingly, customers at the shop were predicting a Barca win.
"They are absolute favourites because they have such a good attacking team. No one will stop those three at Barca. It is impossible. I have seen many teams try but they didn't succeed," said Rob Lamers.
Oliver White was expecting Argentina's Messi would be the key to victory, saying: "You never know what to expect with Messi. Just something unexpected. Suarez has a lot of energy and Neymar will be very sneaky and then score."
Out on Barcelona's popular beach, the famous shirts were also in evidence, young fans wearing them as protection against the strong Mediterranean sun.
One fan on the sand was hedging his bets while hoping for Enrique to lift the treble.
"I would be happy for Luis Enrique. He was at Real Madrid at first but then he came to Barcelona and turned into a Barca fan like all of us. On the other side, it wouldn't be such a big deal if Juventus won as they are a big team as well. So if we are second, it is ok as well," said Victor Vadillo.
Barcelona are attempting to lift the cup for the fourth time in the last 10 years and the fifth occasion in their history, while Juventus are seeking a first success since 1996.
They also won it in 1985 when they beat Liverpool on the night of the Heysel Stadium disaster, and there could be an emotional moment if they triumph on Saturday. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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