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UEFA.com's man in Warsaw: matchday minus one

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes the day before the UEFA Europa League final? Our roving social media reporter Dan Ross gives you the lowdown from the Polish capital.

Warsaw Prepares

The UEFA Europa League final is much more than the exciting, often dramatic showpiece enjoyed by football supporters the world over. A huge array of activities take place in a jam-packed 24 hours before the match, as our social media reporter Dan Ross reveals.

The first steps of the day – literally – are taken in the stadium; in this case the stunning National Stadium Warsaw. My colleagues and I are walked around the cavernous venue and shown how to access the vital areas – the media room, the mixed zone, the press conference room and, most importantly, our view of the pitch. Speaking of which ...

A trip to the fan zone is up next, which involves a visit to the incredible old town in Warsaw. Castle Square is a riot of colour and music as football fans take in the entertainment on offer, ranging from passing and shooting challenges to getting a photo with the UEFA Europa League trophy.

After a brief stop at the canteen, we hurry to the press conference room where a pair of players and the coach from each finalist club sit and try to answer the questions put to them by the international media. We cover this live on @EuropaLeague.

My final act of the day is the most enjoyable. Once the teams have completed their press duties, they head out to the pitch for their final training sessions before the biggest match of their campaigns. I stand beside the advertising hoardings attempting to capture the drills and goalmouth action (evading flying footballs from some of the more rusty forwards).

After all is done, and the floodlights are turned off, I pack up and repair to the hotel, ready to take on tomorrow's main event ...