One of the best parts of European football is the excitement Premier League teams create when they turn up in small, obscure locations. Crystal Palace’s trip to Bosnia is causing such excitement this week.
They take on Bosnian side HŠK Zrinjski Mostar this week in the Europa Conference League play-offs. And Vecernji list cover how the Eagles are creating a stir.
The newspaper reports that the atmosphere is heating up ahead of the big European match with Crystal Palace on Thursday.
The game against the Premier League side has ‘aroused enormous interest’ in the entire region. Even those with little interest in football are getting involved.
Crystal Palace create ‘euphoria’
A series of accompanying events have been organised ahead of the match. That includes a pub quiz with a ‘large number of registered teams’.
Mostar are also ‘animating the fans’ in various ways’. They’re helping to create a sense of ‘euphoria’, believing the game benefits such an atmosphere. All the tickets are sold out and even rain will not spoil the mood.
In fact, Mostar want to improve a better atmosphere in the stands. They have invited fans to the stands early.
When they arrive, fans will enjoy half‑price beer, a quiz in the stands with prizes, and a range of other events.
‘Wider social opportunity’
There’s also a determination to show off Mostar in general. The city sees the game as a ‘wider social opportunity’ to present Mostar in ‘a good light’.
Crystal Palace fans are falling in line too, saying the stadium reminds them of ‘romantic football times’.
They’re as interested in the Bosnians as their hosts are in them. Even their expectations of a comfortable evening have helped to ‘further increase the charm of the match’.
It’s all creating a great, enjoyable atmosphere ahead of tomorrow’s game. The hope is that it can be a showcase for everything good that competitions like the Conference League can bring.