Madrid is shaking! Spain’s capital city steps up measures ahead of Chelsea and Manchester City fans raid

A busy week ahead for all Madrid residents. And especially for the security forces of the Spanish capital, which is being invaded by the dreaded English fans. On Tuesday, Real Madrid take on Chelsea in the Champions League, and on Wednesday, Atlético Madrid welcome Manchester City.

English fans are notoriously rowdy. More than one pub has seen chairs flying, glasses smashed and mass brawls. That’s exactly what Madrid want to avoid. And ideally eliminate contact between Manchester City and Chelsea fans, which is almost impossible.

The government delegation has agreed to organise both matches in the capital in the same week, but has significantly increased the precautions. This has assured Uefa that it can provide security for both matches, which will be played within 48 hours, although the dreaded English are coming to Madrid.

Madrid already has experience of this, having hosted the Champions League final in June 2019, in which Liverpool clashed with Tottenham. And everything went off without a hitch. Where will there be increased measures everywhere?

Adolfo Suárez Airport

Barajas is the first place where there will be increased police control. It is at the airport that Chelsea fans heading to Tuesday’s game may clash with Citizens fans who want to spend more time in Madrid.

Plaza Mayor

The most delicate place. It is in the iconic Plaza Mayor that all the fan camps that arrive in Madrid usually end up. A month ago, Plaza Mayor was lined with Manchester United fans from early morning, it is certain that this is where most Citizens and Blues fans will meet during Tuesday.

It is here that the security forces will have to be most alert to prevent a possible conflict. They must also focus on the centre of Madrid (Puerta del Sol, Ópera, Gran Vía, Plaza de España, Palacio Real…)

La Avenida de Brasil

Another complicated zone. It is in this street, near Santiago Bernabéu, that the visiting fans who are brought to the Real Madrid stadium by the police escort scrap. So not only is there a risk of encounters with Los Blancos fans, Madrid are also expecting some provocative Manchester City supporters here, although their match will be played at the distant Wanda Metropolitano.

Metro

Another zone where security will be greatly increased. This is automatically increased at these matches, and even more so when two fan camps are in attendance.

Madrid will not have an easy time of it, and the arrival of a crowd of English supporters will probably not be without minor incidents. Let’s hope, however, that by the end of the week the talk will be more about football than fan riots.

Source: Marca