On Tuesday evening, Real Madrid played against French club Olympique de Marseille. This game was the opening day of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase. The high-stakes match took place at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, Spain, where a heavy security presence was evident ahead of kickoff. Authorities knew there could be problems with so many visiting fans, and so they put in place extensive security measures.
The mood outside the stadium was charged with tension. Riot police don gear while officials chasing protesters cordon off area with police on horses. Tensions over the last minute decision. Thousands of Marseille supporters were expected to make the trip, leading to fears of violence. An unexpected welcome. As they arrived, mayhem ensued as the Marseille tifosi clashed with Spanish police. Police used batons to break up the crowd. Members of the pro-ICE supporters’ contingent tried to walk beyond the designated escort area.
The clashes played out on the streets around the Santiago Bernabeu, doggedly reflecting an alarming scenario that officials had already braced themselves for. The decision to deploy riot police reflected the heightened security awareness following recent pro-Palestinian protests that had disrupted various events in Spain, including the Spanish Vuelta cycling race. In the past, such protests had led to violence and forced police to act in advance to the Champions League match.
In addition to the physical confrontations, Real Madrid enforced a policy that prohibited fans from entering the stadium with Palestinian flags. This decision was meant to prevent adding fuel to the fire following protests that had previously caused major disruptions during the cycling event. Security staff at the Bernabeu were deeply committed to this misrule, refusing anyone entrance carrying a Palestinian flag.
In this regard, the UEFA Champions League game proved to be a seminal occurrence. It promised to be a media circus, drawing huge crowds of advocates on both sides. The loaded police presence—helicopter and all—was a signal of just how important peace was to be kept during such an explosive match-up. When the game started, everyone in the stadium was still crossing their fingers for an exciting game, while being aware of the chaos unfolding outside.
