Bergen away: Go Ahead Eagles European Tour

Words: Robert Bugter

Images: Han Balk

Go Ahead Eagles in Europe. It seemed like something impossible. But after the play-off victory in Utrecht in May, it was time to start planning.

First, the dates had to be filled in. That wasn’t too complicated, but after the draw in early July, the real fun began.

Go Ahead Eagles were paired with Norway’s Sportsklubben Brann from Bergen.

Norway isn’t the cheapest destination in Europe. But as one wise supporter said: this is a one-time offer.

On Tuesday, the first Go Ahead supporters arrived in Bergen. Initial contacts with the locals were quickly made via Tinder, invitations to visit jacuzzis followed, and the cafes could immediately count on the first customers.

©Han Balk/ Terrace Edition. Go Ahead Eagles in Bergen.

A beer cost €7.50. A whiskey cola? €13.50. Time to turn off your brain for a moment and take the hit. You know it’s going to be expensive, and to avoid checking your bank account in between.

On Wednesday, more supporters arrived for the traditional pre-game drinking session the night before the match. Two cafes were reserved for Go Ahead Eagles supporters, right in the centre.

Bergen turns out to be a beautiful city. A tourist attraction. Beautiful buildings, lovely harbours, mountainous areas, and everything is definitely recommended, even if it is not football-related.

Thursday. Matchday! The last supporters take the last early flights to Bergen at the most impossible times. From Brussels, Düsseldorf, Amsterdam, and other supporters interrupt their holidays from distant Southern European destinations to be at this unique event.

From noon, the cafes fill up again. The terraces heave with supporters. In the sun, they drink mainly beer while singing.

The cafe owners laugh all the way to the bank.

Around five o’clock, buses arrive to take the supporters to a new gathering point from where the specially organized fan march will start.

Hundreds of supporters walk the last part via some winding roads to the stadium. Flares are lit, songs are sung. It’s a big, happy, proud crowd.

An image of club owner Kees Vierhouteen, who sadly passed away was shown by the ADHD group.

A poignant moment on a trip where Go Ahead Eagles showed everyone they are in Europe.

The away section is filled with 750 supporters, and another section is created for 250 supporters who had bought tickets for the home sections among the Bergen supporters.

The Norwegian club thought that wasn’t a good idea and created a section. While everyone was waiting for kickoff, a choreographed display was being prepared behind the stands. Suddenly, supporters with balaclavas appeared on the stands, lighting the flares they had brought. It made for some great photos for the archives.

On the field, Go Ahead Eagles fell just short and lost 2-1. Only in the first-half did the supporters get a taste of a new club miracle. The release after the opening goal for Go Ahead was finger-licking good. There was already talk of the next round. Reykjavik or Glasgow? A bit premature, but dreaming is allowed.

After the defeat, the supporters returned to the city to make the best of it once again. Local musicians stole the show with their classics from Oasis and Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Go Ahead Eagles in Europe was as beautiful as it was short. One not to be forgotten soon.