BIRMINGHAM City fans hailed last night’s match as an historic moment as they took to a European pitch for the first time in 50 years.
More than 100 supporters packed into St Andrew’s Tavern in Green Lane, Small Heath, to watch the match on a live Internet broadcast.
Pub landlord Kevin Flemming said he was inundated with calls from Bluenoses asking if the match against CD Nacional in Madeira would be screened.
He said: “I had a lot of calls from fans asking if we were showing it but I didn’t expect that many people to turn up.
“We were full to capacity. But it is our biggest game in 50 years and obviously Birmingham wants to watch it. I couldn’t believe that it wasn’t being televised but then London takes pride of place with Tottenham and Fulham in Europe.
"This is massive for the city, a proud moment and fans want to enjoy it. We were showing it through the laptop.
“Birmingham in Europe is a dream come true for everyone, I never thought I would see it in my life.”
Fans packed into the pub just a stone’s throw from their home ground. They sang and chanted as if they were at the stadium in Madeira. The noise erupted every time they hit the woodwork.
Stephen Begley, 32, from Sheldon said: “It’s fantastic to see our club in Europe. I think Alex McLeish shouldn’t have dumped on us, he could be enjoying the high life in Europe.”
Construction worker Nathan Hodges, 32, from Stechford, said: “I am over the moon that we are in Europe.
“I never thought I would live to see the day. I am impressed with the football they are playing under the new manager.
“If you asked me last season do you think we would get to Europe I would have said no way.”
Lee Haslan, 32, from Sheldon said: “I have waited for this moment since I was a young boy and never thought it would happen.
“It’s an historic moment for the club.”
David Williams, who has been a Blues fan for 40 years, was at the pub with son Luke and daughter Chloe.
The 56-year old said: “It is a proud moment. I had a feeling we would win a cup and get into Europe that way.
“I hope we progress and get to play at one of the big European stadiums.
“I think we will at least get to the group stages and I will get to go to one of the matches.”
