Fans gather for Champions League final

(CNN) -- Football fans gathered in Moscow and bars around the world to watch the first all-English European Champions League final.

In Moscow, a small army of Russian security watched the Manchester United and Chelsea fans to make sure they don't turn violent.

A late kick-off, 10.45 p.m. local time, sparked concerns that English fans will drink all day in the lead up to the match, prompting an unprecedented security operation by Russian police.

Up to 14,500 security personnel were deployed across Moscow. Around 700 buses ferried fans from the city's airports to the stadium to limit the risk of trouble in the city center.

Rival fans were steered into separate areas in the build-up to kick-off at the Luzhniki Stadium.

But the security did not dampened the spirits of fans arriving in Moscow, all hoping to see their team win European club football's most prestigious honor.

"We don't care how late it kicks off, as long as we win," said United fan Jimmy Westmancoat, who flew out from England on Monday.

In the hours before the game fans described a good atmosphere and rival supporters sharing jokes and jibes.

Chelsea fan Ian Spillet, whose wife encouraged him to travel to Moscow, told CNN that his side were the "new kids on the block" compared to United.

"I've supported Chelsea for a long time and it's the biggest game in the club's history."

He and friends had booked a table at a city restaurant for 5 p.m. to begin their build-up with a few "beers and vodkas."

Back in England, pubs filled up with fans hours before the kick-off. In the United States, soccer supporters found places to watch their heroes in a country where the sport struggles for recognition. Watch fans in party mood in central London »

Both teams also have global fans bases and global squads ensuring high interest in Africa and Asia for the biggest all-English game in football history.

Meanwhile, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson played down fears about the state of the pitch.

The stadium, which had an artificial surface, has been re-laid with grass for the final and even Matthew Frost, the British groundsman overseeing the project, told BBC radio that he was "totally disappointed."

"It's acceptable but it's a big personal disappointment for me and the project as a whole because things haven't gone very well from the start," Frost said. "That's Russia, I'm afraid. It's not a perfect world." Watch how the pitch could be a problem »

World Cup winner and FIFA executive committee member Franz Beckenbauer also expressed his concerns.

""This is the most prestigious club game in Europe and the players really deserve a top quality surface."

However, Ferguson, after watching his team train on the pitch, told Manchester United's Web site that he was not worried.

""I've got no concerns," said Ferguson. "UEFA have done their best. I'm delighted they relayed it. You have to remind yourself that Old Trafford in December and January isn't the best. I think it will be fine."

English weather was expected -- with rain, gusts and thunderstorms forecast, according to the Moscow weather center.

However, Chelsea manager Avram Grant said it was a real thrill for the team and its owner, the Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, to be playing in Moscow.

"He [Ambramovich] has always dreamed of being in the final here, but it is a dream of every supporter of Chelsea to be in the final for the first time."

It is the first time two English clubs have reached the final of European football's premier competition.

United its seeking its third Champions Cup title following victories in 1968 over Benfica and 1999 against Bayern Munich. Chelsea is in the final for the first time.

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