Everton supporters 'dared to dream' during one of the club's most memorable European away days in Nuremberg on November 8, 2007, despite ticket cancellations and the backdrop of a proposed £400m stadium move.
The 2-0 win over 1. FC Nurnberg in the UEFA Cup group stage remains a highlight for fans, coming during David Moyes' first spell in charge at Goodison Park. The trip was the travel highlight of the campaign, with the club's other away game in the group played in freezing temperatures in Alkmaar against AZ, after Everton had already qualified for the knockout stages.
Ticket cancellations and fan behaviour
Around 1,500 supporters who had booked seats in the home end through Nurnberg's website had their tickets cancelled after UEFA classified the fixture a "risk mask" following talks with local police. Asked if fans deserved to be reimbursed, then-chairman Bill Kenwright said: "You would think so. (By) Nuremberg I would have thought."
Kenwright added: "Evertonians will do anything to see their team, especially in Europe. The fact that these lads, who work hard for their money, have invested money not only in the tickets but in flights and hotels – they are wondering whether they should go."
He urged supporters to "continue to be the great ambassadors of this football club that they have always been," and the travelling Blues behaved impeccably. Former midfielder Lee Carsley, who played in the match, later recalled the atmosphere, telling the ECHO: "I remember being in Nuremberg and looking out of my window to see scores of Evertonians enjoying themselves hanging off trams and bus stops, but it is always good-natured fun and never nasty."
Late goals seal the win
Everton needed patience, with the breakthrough arriving seven minutes from the end via a Mikel Arteta penalty, while substitute Victor Anichebe sealed the three points two minutes before full time.
Writing in his ECHO match report, Dominic King declared: "Undeterred by a farcical ticketing policy that cast a dark cloud over last night's clash with FC Nurnberg, at least 5,000 Blues gained entry into the easyCredit-Stadion to see their heroes pass another tricky test with honours." He added: "Vast quantities of the local brew were supped, songs were sung in celebration, and they dared each other to dream that this adventure will have the happiest of endings."
Missed opportunity and a new era
The group-stage form was followed by an 8-1 aggregate victory over Norwegian champions Brann in the first knockout round, but Everton failed to lift the UEFA Cup that season, a result regarded as one of the biggest missed opportunities of Moyes' 11-year first spell in charge.
The Nuremberg game was played against the backdrop of Everton's proposed move to a new stadium in Kirkby, a £400m development that was ultimately rejected by the government. Everton are now into their second season at their 52,76-capacity Hill Dickinson Stadium home by the banks of the Mersey.
