Up towards the Etihad Stadium, they walked to see this. Heading towards the lights from Gorton and Beswick and around, Manchester City supporters of all ages came dressed in sky blue, coming in hope that a curse could be broken.
They have seen much in the 20 years since they left Maine Road behind and tried to make this part of Manchester feel like home. Rarely, though, have they seen much like this.
Here against the 14-times winners of the European Cup, Pep Guardiola's players provided their supporters with something close to football perfection. Anything half as good as this against Inter in Istanbul next month and City's Champions League curser will finally be cast aside.