SANTA CLARA, Calif. − The confetti fell, the fireworks exploded and the trophy went to the other team.

The Detroit Lions' season ended Sunday night. It was remarkable in so many ways: first home playoff win in decades, two consecutive playoff victories, knocking on the door of a Super Bowl.

But in what felt like classic Lions fashion, the team could not hold on to a 24-7 halftime lead over the San Francisco 49ers, leaving fans despondent while appreciative.

Leaving Levi's Stadium with tears in his eyes, Carter Zins hoped for a better outcome.

“We had it in the first half and then just we weren't the same team after the half and it's heartbreaking. It's a little disappointing. But then again, you can't forget how good the rest of the season was,” Zins said. “It's sad right now, but in the end, I'll feel a little bit better just because of how far they got.”

The 17-year-old from North Dakota was hooked on the Lions since kindergarten after his dad showed him who Calvin Johnson is, a “super good wide receiver,” as Zins describes him.

Zins dyed his voluminous hair blue and proudly displayed his spirit with a Lions chain and jersey. It’s not the end, though. It’s optimism going forward, he added.

“I think tomorrow, I'll feel a little better. It's a lot right now, but I think it shows what we can do now,” Zins said. “It’s not the same old Lions like how it used to be, it's a new Lions now.”'

Maddie Ragnow, 24, milled about on the concourse after the game with others in Lions gear as 49ers fans celebrated. The little sister of all-pro Lions center Frank Ragnow, Maddie said she couldn't be prouder of the way her brother played.

"A lot of setbacks, injuries, but they still made it this far. Personally, I’m very proud of my brother. He’s battled a lot. And he still came out, every day, played his hardest, gave it his all," Maddie said.

"He puts it on his back every day, no matter the injury, the setback, what’s going on at home ... he gives everything he has to this team. And I think that says a lot."

Muneer Ali, 34, grew up in Michigan but moved to the Bay Area three years ago. Being a die-hard fan since childhood made the loss difficult to swallow.

“It’s tough,” Ali said. “These guys are mad at (head coach Dan) Campbell but he was aggressive in the second half, and I watched them all year,” Ali said. “We lost because they were better than us. We couldn't stop them in the second half. Regardless if we got a field goal or two, they were scoring touchdowns, so we had to be aggressive.”

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It may take several days to get over the loss. Ali said if he knew they would lose before the game, he would’ve been fine with it.

“Right now, it definitely stings,” he said.

Chris LaPorta also dyed her hair blue for the game. It's the least she could do to support her nephew: rookie tight end Sam LaPorta.

"I think he’s perfect every game. But I know he’s disappointed that they didn’t win this game. I know he really, really, really wanted to win this game. As we all did," said LaPorta, 61, of St. Louis.

She says the LaPorta family loves and appreciates how Detroit fans have embraced the popular tight end. The Lions and her nephew are poised for even greater things next year, but that doesn't take away the hurt of Sunday night.

"They ate a little humble pie today, there’s no question. But I think it’s gonna get them ready. They’re going to be even hungrier for it next year after this loss," Chris said.

"We all wanted a different outcome, so it is what it is. On to next year!"

Fans in Detroit also showed their pride at Ford Field amid the loss. They said they aren't angry at the loss but remain anxious for next year.

Contact Dana Afana: dafana@freepress.com or 313-635-3491. Follow her on X: @DanaAfana. Contact Dave Boucher: dboucher@freepress.com and on X: @Dave_Boucher1.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions fans in Bay Area lament loss to 49ers