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Belgrade goes Real-crazy ahead of Champions League clash

Beckham and R. Carlos hug during training session in Belgrade

Belgrade, November 3 (AFP) - Hundreds of fans gathered at Belgrade airport to try to catch a glimpse of David Beckham, Ronaldo or Zinedine Zidane as the Spanish giants Real Madrid arrived here for Champions League match with Serbia-Montenegro champions Partizan.

But a heavy police presence prevented most from getting closer to their heroes, who quickly passed through a security corridor from the airport building to the bus that took them to the luxurious Hyatt hotel, where they will spend the night ahead of the game on Tuesday.

"I wanted him to sign my cast," shouted 17-year-old Ilija Maticevic, nursing a broken arm and who skipped classes in the hope of seeing Ronaldo.

Some fans came with cameras while others used mobile phones, trying to take a photo of passing stars.

Disappointed, many were heading towards the hotel, but the chances of seeing the players were almost impossible.

Partizan's qualification for the Champions League, the first by a team from Serbia-Montenegro, has increased interest in football in the country, for years disappointed with a lack of success of its teams and national squad.

However, the club has struggled in the competition having taken just a point from their three matches so far and having lost 1-0 to Real Madrid in their first meeting in Spain two weeks ago.

"I expect a real football spectacle. We are really happy to welcome Real, who knows when we will be able to see a team like that again," said former international Dragan Stojkovic who is now head of the country's football federation.

There was almost no other topic in Belgrade on Monday except the match.

"Nobody can beat Real, but we have to give the best game ever," said Nikola Marjanovic as he watched the arrival of the Spanish players on a large screen in Belgrade's Sports cafe.

Many have fans said they would support Partizan, even if they were supporters of Red Star Belgrade.

"It is us against them, and I have to support Partizan, because I have a chance to see the best team in the world," said Pavle Vojnovic, a Red Star supporter.

Bets were still on, with majority setting their odds for Real's victory 2 to 1.

"I put some money on Partizan winning 1-0. If this happens, I will make a fortune, for my 300 dinars (five euros), they will pay 6,000 (100 euros)," one man said.

A young man selling fake football shirts said Ronaldo and Beckham seemed to be more popular than Partizan players.

"I sold 10 Ronaldos and six Beckhams, and only two with (Partizan player Sasa) Ilic's name," he said.

Frontpages of many newspapers were dedicated to the match.

"Aliens have landed in Belgrade! Welcome," said a headline in a special edition of Belgrade daily Vecernje Novosti.


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Email: ooc@srbija.sr.gov.yu