Fans on best behavior at Super Cup 'pilot run'

Budapest on Thursday (September 25) hosted the first major match of European club football to resume with fans since the global health crisis began.

It was a trial run to see if the world's most popular sport can be played again in front of live audiences.

Fans were on their best behavior as the Super Cup began between Bayern Munich and Sevilla.

They arrived early, milling about on the lawn, or having a beer and most were spaced out and donning face masks.

Before they passed through the gates smoothly, read for kick off.

Once inside the Hungarian capital's large new arena, however, the 15,500 spectators spread out in the 67,000-seat stadium.

UEFA had decided its traditional season-opening Super Cup game, between the Champions League winners and Europa League champions, would be safe to attend, but the ruling body faced criticism for that choice.

And some fans after the game voiced some concern over the number of attendees.

"We were wearing our masks, both of us and it was a great game. I have to say there were a bit too many people. But it was a beautiful game. And the security what we saw in Budapest was also very good, for sure."

Loud celebrations after the equalizer by Bayern midfielder Leon Goretzka showed that most people in the arena were overwhelmingly fans of the Bavarian club.

Bayern were the better side throughout and ended up beating Sevilla 2-1 after extra time.

And Bayern's coach, Hansi Flick spoke after the match when adreanlin was still high.

"We all know it is not easy to take right decision given the current situation, But it felt good to have an atmosphere in the stadium. It's great the fans."

The Hungarian government and Prime Minister Viktor Orban declined to comment on the match's health risks even as experts and locals expressed frustration at being subjected to such an experiment.

Hungarian cases of COVID-19 are already at record highs and there are fears of a second wave of infections.