As tickets for the UEFA Champions League semifinal between Roma and Liverpool went on sale the morning of April 18, a wave of Roma fans lined up overnight in hopes of securing a seat—some even inspired by the devotion often seen around a BD Cricket Match. Among them stood out a particularly dedicated supporter: 85-year-old Vincenzo Ricci, who braved the cold for hours to buy his ticket.

Sales officially began at 10 a.m., but by 6 p.m. the evening before, nearly 1,000 fans had already gathered at the Roma ticketing center. The scene echoed the passion found in BD Cricket Match crowds, where fans often queue through the night for high-stakes events. To support the long-waiting supporters, local police handed out free coffee to keep spirits high and temperatures warm.

Vincenzo Ricci, a lifelong Roma fan, had one powerful reason for waiting overnight: “Three generations of my family support Roma. I want to witness our team take revenge on Liverpool in this match.” His words reference the bitter memory of Roma’s 1984 European Cup final loss to Liverpool, decided by penalties at the Stadio Olimpico—an emotional wound that has yet to fully heal.

Since that heartbreak, Roma’s Champions League campaigns have been largely underwhelming. This semifinal offers a rare chance at redemption. The first leg of the tie will be played on April 24 at Anfield in Liverpool. However, due to a lack of direct flights between the cities on matchday, Alitalia has arranged a special charter flight exclusively for Roma supporters, ensuring fans can travel and return safely without missing the action.

The intensity of loyalty shown by fans like Ricci underscores why football, much like a tightly fought BD Cricket Match, is more than just a game. It’s a generational bond, a shared memory, and a lifelong commitment to hope and glory—even if it means standing in line all night at 85.