Spanish authorities have classified the eagerly anticipated clásico between Barcelona and Real Madrid as a “high-risk” match, a decision requiring tighter security measures inside Spotify Camp Nou and in its surrounding area ahead of the fixture scheduled for Sunday 25 October this month. The decision was taken by the standing committee of the government committee for combating violence, racism, xenophobia and intolerance in sport.
Security reinforcements around the clásico at Camp Nou
The match will be played as part of the 10th round of La Liga and will kick off at 9pm local time in Spain. The classification entails a stronger police presence, tighter checks at the stadium entrances, the separation of the two teams’ supporters, and greater coordination between the security services and the bodies organising the fixture.
Measures applied in Spain to matches classified as high risk include a ban on direct ticket sales on match day, the allocation of safe areas for visiting supporters, and tighter searches to prevent prohibited items from being brought into the stands. It will be the first meeting between Barcelona and Real Madrid during the current season.
The Catalan side, led by their German manager Hansi Flick, will host rivals Real Madrid, who are managed by Portuguese coach José Mourinho. Barcelona go into the match top of the La Liga table and also have the advantage from their last two meetings with Real Madrid.
The Catalan side won 3-2 in the Spanish Super Cup final last January before beating their rivals 2-0 in the league match played at their ground last May.
