THOUSANDS of Eintracht Frankfurt fans swarmed to the London Stadium in defiance of their 3,000 ticket allocation for the Europa League semi-final with West Ham.
The German hordes descended on east London ahead of one of the most famous wins in their history.
Eintracht Frankfurt fans flocked in huge numbers to London Stadium Credit: Daniel Chesterton/phcimages.com
Daichi Kamada scored the winner as Eintracht beat West Ham 2-1 Credit: Getty Despite West Ham hit the bar THREE times, the visitors were able to hold on and take a 2-1 win back to Germany.
Frankfurt fans lived up to pre-match expectations that thousands beyond their allocated number would try to get into Thursday’s first leg.
More than 10,000 were expected – with many trying to buy tickets off touts.
The Hammers insisted the travelling fans’ efforts would be in vain.
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Hammers lose Europa League semi-final 1st leg despite valiant effort FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
But it didn’t look like it as a huge stream of Eintracht followers headed in.
They were rewarded by Ansgar Knauff’s very early opener, before Hammers’ striker Michail Antonio levelled on 21 minutes.
Daichi Kamada then scored the all-important winner as West Ham tried in vain to find the equaliser.
Eintracht president Peter Fischer had predicted before kick-off: “We will be more than 3,000.
“I don’t know in which place yet [to party] – there are quite a few in London. Why not in front of Buckingham Palace?”
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And the club proudly tweeted a clip of its supporters around London Stadium, adding the words: “The best fans in the world!”
The response on social media was just as enthusiastic.
One armchair observer posted: “Unbelievable and such tremendous loyalty! Go Eintracht!!!”
Supporters of West Ham’s Prem rivals joined in the praise.
One said: “I’m a Liverpool fan, but this might get me into watching this club more in the Bundesliga! Impressive!”
Other responses included: “Toon supporter here, just stopping in to say this is class.”
West Ham players mob Michail Antonio after he made it 1-1 at half-time Credit: Jamie McPhilimey
Ansgar Knauff celebrates his early opener for the Germans. whose fans flocked to London Stadium Credit: Jamie McPhilimey Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
