Madrid fans crash Arsenal training ahead of Champions League clash.
Arsenal’s final preparations for their Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid took an unexpected turn
Arsenal ’s final preparations for their crucial Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid took an unexpected turn on Tuesday, as a group of Atletico Madrid fans reportedly invaded their training session in Madrid to show support for Mikel Arteta.
The Gunners were training at Colegio Valdeluz, a school in the Spanish capital, when they were spotted by several Atletico Madrid supporters. According to Spanish outlet Relevo, the fans approached Arsenal’s team coach while it was inside the school grounds, shouting words of encouragement directed at Arteta and his squad.
“Arteta, go for them, do it for Atlético!” they shouted, as the Arsenal manager stepped off the team bus.
The incident was described by Relevo as “a final boost of motivation before a night full of football,” with the Gunners set to face Real Madrid at 8pm BST at the Santiago Bernabéu. Arsenal go into the second leg with a commanding 3-0 advantage from the first leg at the Emirates.
Atletico Madrid fans’ support for Arsenal stems from the deep-rooted rivalry between the two Madrid clubs. Tensions between Atletico and Real intensified after their dramatic Champions League round-of-16 meeting, where Atletico were controversially knocked out on penalties. Julian Alvarez’s spot kick was ruled out after he was judged to have touched the ball twice, a decision that left Atletico boss Diego Simeone livid.
With their team eliminated in contentious fashion, many Atletico supporters are now backing Arsenal to finish the job and knock out their city rivals.
Tonight’s match promises to be a fiery encounter, with Arsenal chasing a place in the semi-finals and Atletico fans watching closely, hoping for a dose of revenge — even if it comes via north London.