2024-01-07 22:35:20
Kylian Mbappé surrounded by the children who accompanied the teams on the field, each hoping for a check or a sign from the star, this is the image which sums up the incredible enthusiasm on the sidelines of the Coupe de France match between Revel and PSG , this Sunday in Castres. The captain of the French team was the object of all attention. And it was a breath of happiness that spread when his tenure was made official, an hour before kick-off.
Giving extra warmth in this good-natured atmosphere. In a polar cold (1° C), the Pierre-Fabre stadium, which usually welcomes Castres Olympique rugby players, abandoned the blue to be adorned with red and black this Sunday evening. No tribute to Jeanne Mas and her iconic hit, US Revel, residents of the 6th division, will have the support of an entire city for the shock of a lifetime against PSG in the 32nd final of the Coupe de France. “When I knew that Revel was going to play against PSG, I didn’t believe it. I had tears in my eyes. I said to myself, this is a dream come true. These are my two favorite clubs, I arrived around 6:30 p.m. to see the PSG bus,” says young Mandi, accompanied by her father Michael and whose brother plays with the reserve of the Tarn club. “My daughter likes certain players, notably Mbappé, that’s why she’s a fan,” he laughs. But we didn’t tease each other this week at home because we still stayed for the US Revel. »
When the buses arrive, the fireworks and smoke bombs are released. When the local brass bands set the mood with “I’m still standing”, a classic by English star Elton John. Former Castres Olympique second row Rodrigo Capo Ortega, member of the organization, tells us that on the security aspect “it has nothing to do with the specificities of a rugby match where when the players arrive the fans can touch them, clap their hands, give them a pat on the back. » This time, an entire street is blocked to allow the Parisians’ bus, arriving under good escort from the gendarmerie, to access the enclosure without any problems.
Audrey, sister of Cyril Garcia, goalkeeper and captain of the US Revel, arrives with a big smile on her lips, a sign in her hand reading: “Make us dream”. Usually rather discreet, she says she is ready to speak out to push Petit Poucet Haut-Garonnais towards the feat. “Since the draw was announced, there has been total madness among the players and their families,” says the young woman. I had Cyril on the phone for 30 seconds after getting off the bus to give him a kiss. He was serene. This is the first time my daughters will set foot at the Pierre-Fabre stadium. I came fifteen years ago. For me it’s not a disappointment to be in a stadium with 10,000 seats, I’m one of the lucky ones, the whole stadium had to be red and black. »
On this level, the success is total. And when the team coached by Nicolas Gine takes to the pitch for the warm-up, the songs start up again until the sound system starts playing “Jump” by Van Halen, the entrance anthem of the OM players, used this time to announce the USR starting lineup. A wink which did not prevent the 200 Parisian ultras from creating more atmosphere than the entire public before the meeting. For Isaac, a member of the U14s and a player at Revel for two years as a winger, this match concludes an exceptional week. “There was a lot of atmosphere at Revel,” he explains to us. It was excitement. Especially since we had priority to get the tickets, as a licensee. Fortunately because for others, it was harder. I was able to have 13, we could go up to 15 per licensee. Frankly, I think everything is possible tonight and I believe in it. »
In the 16th minute, Mbappé dashed his hopes by opening the scoring. But his many fans can’t contain themselves for long. His name is quickly chanted by part of the young audience. All their lives, they will keep this evening in mind. They saw Paris. Above all, they saw Mbappé play and it was not a dream.
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