With security in and around the Santiago Bernabeu tighter than ever, supporters clashed with police and one another ahead of a Champions League meeting between Real Madrid and Legia Warsaw on Tuesday.
In the wake of the 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris, officials in Spain are taking no chances during the hosting of high-profile sporting events.
Goal reporters in Madrid noted that security within the Spanish capital was more intense than that normally laid on for El Clasico fixtures between Real and Barcelona.
Paliza de seguidores del Legia de Varsovia a la Policía al lado del Bernabéu pic.twitter.com/fDhjCqsoEs
— Pablo Arjona (@pabloarjona) October 18, 2016
2000 efectivos en el dispositivo de seguridad pero pasó lo inevitable con los hinchas del Legia pic.twitter.com/jzj2BFDbva
— Pablo Vander (@pablo_vande) October 18, 2016
Así reprimía la policía a un aficionado del Legia pic.twitter.com/l2JenBhOPB
— Pablo Vander (@pablo_vande) October 18, 2016
Violent clashes sparked as a result, with Legia supporters tangling with the local police and Real followers.
Some 4,000 Warsaw fans secured themselves tickets for the European encounter, but many more were expected to make the journey as the Polish club continues with its centenary celebrations.