The grey weather failed to dampen the mood inside Red Square today as throngs of Chelsea fans enjoyed the football festivities.

With a trophy room, football pitch and fan stalls, there was plenty on offer, adding to the electric atmosphere as True Blues took part in Moscow's celebrations.

Stamford the Lion was one of them. Our mascot has been here since Friday, and was a big crowd puller, with over 20,000 fans having their photos taken during his visit.

This afternoon there was an ex-professionals game happening on the football pitch, with former Chelsea player Graeme Le Saux proving he's still useful with the ball while Bryan Robson and Michael Laudrup, brother of former Blue Brian, joining him to play against some of Russia's ex-players.

Chelsea memorabilia was handed out, including caps, shirts and over 25,000 pin-badges, which were gladly accepted by Russian Chelsea fans who out-numbered the Manchester United contingent inside the centre of Moscow.

Richard Milham, Chelsea's director of merchandising, has been helping with the fans' stall and laying out Chelsea flags inside the Luzhniki Stadium.

'It took about three hours with 35 Russian helpers from the Moscow Supporters' Club to put over 20,000 flags out today,' said Milham.

'Honestly it is has been brilliant. We are spreading the word of Chelsea.

'Graeme Le Saux did a signing session and it was amazing, there was more pushing and shoving than I have ever seen at one of our Megastore signings.

'There are more Chelsea Russian fans than Manchester United, that's for sure.

'We have been out here for five days and doing 12 hour days, so it has been very tiring, but worth it.

'There are a lot more Russians here than there are English, but it has been really interesting.

'Stamford has been amazingly popular and has been getting hugs and cuddles off everybody, even some Manchester United fans,' he admitted.

By late afternoon down on Arbat, the Russian capital's trendy pedestrian street of bars and restaurants, songs of both blue and red persuasion were striking up as establishments were populated by one side or the other, or on the odd occasion a mixed crowd.

This is truly a cosmopolitan occasion - with Chelsea fans from around the globe identifiable - including a contingent from Avram Grant's homeland.

The Muscovites are loving it - standing and watching and photographing the spectacle as the football eyes of the world turn their way.