Alouettes fans were overjoyed after their club’s spectacular Gray Cup victory on Sunday, a rare crowning achievement for a Montreal team in recent years.
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“It’s crazy,” reacted Antoine Rabecho, jumping up and down in the final moments of the game. We’ve waited 13 years for this. […] We’ll be in the parade.”
There was great excitement throughout the evening among fans gathered at a branch of La Cage at Complexe Desjardins in Montreal. In the moments after the victory, they were beside themselves with joy.
“Olé, olé, olé,” they chanted at the top of their lungs before continuing with the classic “Nanana, hey, hey, hey good bye.”
MARIO BEAUREGARD/AGENCE QMI
“We always, always have to encourage them,” said Raymond Copeland, who wore a cap with the Sparrows’ image and described himself as a longtime admirer.
The 52-year-old and his partner Anabelle traveled from Venise-en-Québec in Montérégie to enjoy the moment.
Raymond and Anabelle Copeland at La Cage at Complexe Desjardins for the Gray Cup. Mario Beauregard / QMI Agency
determination
You should know that the Alouettes’ last appearance in the finals dates back to 2010, when the club won its seventh title.
Since that last victory, the sense of belonging of the team that won its first championship in 1949 has faded, noted supporters met by Le Journal.
On Sunday evening, impressive tackles, ball losses and spectacular passes heated up La Cage’s customers.
“There is a new flame,” said Isaac Rajotte, 23, who recently returned to the club optimistically. It was meant to happen, it was fate.”
“It couldn’t have ended better, it’s like a love story,” his friend Étienne Letendre famously jokes on the other side of the bench. After all, we were due.”
Isaac Rajotte, Étienne Letendre and Olivia Laporte at La Cage. Mario Beauregard / QMI Agency
Surprise
Many said they were still surprised that the Montreal team would be participating alongside Hamilton in the Canadian Football League grand final against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
“I’m really happy to see a great game with friends, it’s a surprise to see it [l’équipe] at this level,” said Clément Zwickert happily.
Clément Zwickert (second from left) was happy to see his friends again for this occasion. Mario Beauregard / QMI Agency
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Despite a game full of twists and turns, the fans always believed in a victory for the Alouettes, who once again exceeded all predictions this season.
“Throughout the season we went to the stadium whenever we could to see them,” says Enzo Aucher, 26, of French origin. We didn’t want to miss this.”
Antoine Rabecho and Enzo Aucher have featured in several Sparrow games this season. Mario Beauregard / QMI Agency