Real fans return tickets, Liverpool supporters weigh up travel options

London, May 19

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More than 2,000 Real Madrid fans have been forced to return their tickets to next Saturday’s Champions League final against Liverpool due to the logistical complications and costs involved in travelling to Kiev.

A total of 24,268 Madrid season-ticket holders entered the ballot to secure one of the 12,802 tickets made available for the club for the final, which kicks off at 7.45pm on May 26. However, an estimated 2,200 fans have since returned their allocated tickets, citing logistical issues as their reasoning. 

A total of 1,783 miles separates Madrid and Kyiv. Those fans attempting to drive to the final can expect to undertake a 34-hr journey.

Liverpool’s fans are facing similar issues, with fans venting their frustrations at the lack and price of flights to the Ukrainian capital. Flights have been quickly booked up, with some selling for £1,000. The high prices are in part a result of Thomas Cook leasing extra planes to meet the increased demands. 

In a statement, Thomas Cook Sport said: “At the request of Liverpool Football Club, Thomas Cook Sport worked to secure additional aircraft for the Champions League final in Kiev. Despite the significant challenges involved as a result of the limited availability of aircraft at this time, and the increasingly urgent need for a solution, this objective was met. Unfortunately, but also unavoidably, the aircraft was secured at a higher cost, which is reflected in the higher price for supporters.”

Some fans are set to travel via coach from Liverpool, with many expected to depart on Thursday before returning in the late hours after the game. A number of supporters are travelling to parts of Poland and then paying for connecting flights. Lublin, Warsaw and Krakow are some of the more popular choices. — The Independent

Champions league final

An estimated 2,200 Real fans have returned their allocated tickets, citing logistical issues as their reasoning. Liverpool’s fans are facing similar issues, with fans venting their frustrations at the lack and price of flights to Kiev. Flights have been quickly booked up, with some selling for £1,000.