With hope in their hearts, and lager coursing through their veins, thousands of Rangers fans poured into Manchester yesterday in the biggest Scottish invasion of the city since the Jacobites marched south in 1745.

They travelled by train, plane and automobile to see Rangers face Zenit St Petersburg in the Uefa cup final at the City of Manchester stadium. It is the first European final in which Rangers have competed since 1972, when they met - and beat - Moscow Dynamo in Barcelona.

Every hotel room in the city and for up to 20 miles beyond - around 16,000 rooms - has been booked. Tourism chiefs have estimated that the event will contribute up to £5 million to the city's economy.

At least 100,000 Rangers fans are expected to descend on Manchester by this evening, but only 13,000 have tickets. Three fan zones have been set up throughout the city centre with large outdoor screens, bars and entertainment to help cater for the rest, although the special areas at Piccadilly Gardens, Cathedral Square and Albert Square can accommodate only 25,000 between them.

Yesterday, however, the fan zones were closed and supporters found their own corners in which to congregate. The largest crowd gathered in the upmarket shopping district of StAnn's Square, with hundreds of supporters transforming the pedestrian precinct into a sea of blue Rangers tops. Fans also made themselves at home by hanging banners from railings outside Harvey Nichols, with scant regard for fashion.

The historic game has attracted fans from all over the world. Scott Robertson, William McGhie, and Martin Bell, all originally from the west coast of Scotland, had flown in from Chicago, even though none had a ticket. Last night Mr Bell was hopeful that they might find some to buy. “It might cost us £500 each but it will be worth it,” he said. Mr McGhie, a redhead who was hiding his distinctly Scottish complexion under a large hat, said: “I would even give up my sombrero for a ticket.”

Neil Fentie, 41, had travelled from Singapore. He estimated that he had spent more than £3,200 on the trip, including his business-class flight, and corporate ticket for the match. “I have been a fan forever and am hoping for a 5-2 win on penalties,” he said.

For some the trip to Manchester held a deeper significance. Colin Robertson, 38, from Livingston, had packed a suitcase full of champagne to celebrate attending his second big Rangers match since recovering from a brain haemorrhage and stroke that had left him unable to walk or talk four years ago.

Mr Robertson, who still needs a crutch to help him balance, joked: “If Rangers win and you see a crutch in the middle of the pitch after the game, that will be me, because I won't need it any more.”

Robert Watson, 46, from Glasgow, who had struck a deal to obtain a ticket for £500, was looking forward to catching up with some friends from his days in the Army.

“Over the next 48 hours we are going to enjoy the atmosphere, have a few light refreshments, and a bite to eat,” he said.

Several fans went to pay homage to the Uefa trophy, on display for two days at Manchester Town Hall.

Despite isolated incidents of sectarian chanting, most fans were well behaved. Police maintained a relaxed approach towards what has been described as a “friendly invasion”, with some posing for souvenir snapshots with drunken fans.

Last night, the Prime Minister led a flood of messages of support for Rangers. Gordon Brown, who is a Raith Rovers fan, said: “I want to send to Walter Smith and the whole Rangers team my best wishes.

“It has been an incredible achievement only losing two goals in the knock-out phase of the tournament.” Des Browne, the Scottish Secretary, also wished Rangers good luck.

On Monday, Alex Salmond, the First Minister and a Hearts supporter, revealed that he plans to cheer for Rangers from the stand tonight. He also wrote a letter of support to the players.