Atlético de Madrid is preparing to host Manchester United at the Metropolitano next Tuesday, October 13, after the match was designated as “high risk” by the State Commission against Violence, Racism, Xenophobia and Intolerance in Sports (Anti-Violence Commission). The decision is based on the expectation that more than 3,500 English fans will attend the match, a figure identical to the last visit of the “Red Devils” in 2022, and the need to guarantee the safety of all attendees.
To avoid incidents, the club and the authorities have planned a large-scale security operation. More than 1,200 personnel will be mobilized, including police, civil protection personnel, the Red Cross and firefighters, to supervise access and the development of the meeting. Atlético has prohibited the sale of tickets at physical ticket offices on the day of the match, requiring that all tickets be purchased by name and in advance, in order to identify attendees and prevent the entry of radical people without control.
The stadium will have a specially designated visiting area for English fans, and the State Security Force has established a collection point to transport British fans to the venue. Access controls are expected to include multiple inspection lines and the use of prohibited object detection equipment, such as drones and guide dogs. In addition, the sale and entry of alcohol inside the stadium will be prohibited.
The deployment of forces will include half a thousand riot police, cavalry, underground units and nearly one hundred members of the Municipal Police. The Metropolitan's internal security will have more than 700 security guards and assistants, while the Civil Protection, the Red Cross and the firefighters will maintain a presence of around 70 personnel to deal with any eventuality.
With these measures, Atlético de Madrid and local authorities seek to ensure that the match takes place in optimal conditions, minimizing the risk of incidents and guaranteeing a safe experience for both fans and club staff. The meeting promises to be a high-level spectacle, but also a logistical and security challenge that will require the coordination of multiple organizations for its correct development.