Many of the supporters arriving at the airport in Porto yesterday admitted booking their plane tickets on the day of the draw.

Some were even searching for flights just seconds after Guimaraes' name came out of the hat.

Nathan Beck, 26, from Waterlooville, booked his flight to Porto while the draw for the first round was still being completed. 'I had my confirmation of booking by the end of the draw,' he said. 'I was quick off the mark for that one.'

Nathan has supported Pompey for nearly 20 years and said this was the best thing to happen to the club and to the fans.

'I think it's better than the FA Cup final. It's like a whole new playground for Pompey,' he said. 'We are used to playing Manchester United and Chelsea but now we have got a whole new world out here.
'I think there will be a party atmosphere today.

'Everyone's going to be in bars three or four hours before the game.
'We are expecting a friendly welcome from the Guimaraes fans. They are looking forward to us coming out here, and I couldn't miss it.'
Friend James Ford is making the most of this trip after missing the Fratton Park match two weeks ago.

'I missed the first leg because I was at my brother's wedding rehearsal,' he said.

'I was gutted. But I think today will be a fantastic atmosphere, and will hopefully make up for it.'

Chris Rang, 27, from London, added: 'We booked our flights before the draw was even finished, and then we thought "let's just hope that we get tickets".

'I think the atmosphere will be amazing. People don't come all this way not to make noise.'