As anticipation builds for one of the most important matches of the season, things have already taken a chaotic turn off the pitch.
Manchester United and Tottenham supporters have made their way to Spain for Wednesday night’s Europa League final—but not all the energy has stayed within the stadium boundaries.
More than 80,000 fans are believed to have traveled to the Basque region for the showdown, with many pouring into both Bilbao and nearby San Sebastian.
But as excitement turned to aggression on Tuesday evening, what should’ve been a festive pre-match atmosphere quickly spiraled into violence.
Trouble Erupts in San Sebastian Ahead of Kickoff
San Sebastian, located about an hour’s drive from Bilbao, was the scene of clashes between rival fans late Tuesday night.
The conflict reportedly kicked off around 9:20pm local time, when verbal taunts and chants between Manchester United and Tottenham fans escalated into something much more serious.
According to Spanish news outlet El Diario Vasco, the first punch dropped one supporter to the ground, prompting chaos in the surrounding area.
Witnesses claimed that objects were thrown, tables were knocked over, and the scene rapidly devolved until police stepped in to regain control.
Police Arrive to Break Up the Chaos
Fortunately, law enforcement was quick to respond.
Police officers arrived on the scene shortly after the disturbances began, helping to de-escalate the situation.
No arrests were reported, and no serious injuries were sustained during the altercation, though an ambulance was seen in the area as a precaution.
While a few individuals received minor medical attention, none required hospitalization, suggesting the incident—though alarming—was kept under control once authorities intervened.
A High-Stakes Match with Everything on the Line
The upcoming final between Manchester United and Tottenham is more than just a game.
With both clubs languishing near the bottom of the Premier League table—currently sitting at 16th and 17th respectively—the match represents a rare shot at redemption.
Victory will bring not only the Europa League trophy but also a coveted place in next season’s Champions League.
For Tottenham, a win would mark their first piece of silverware in 17 years.
For Manchester United, it would be their first major success under manager Ruben Amorim.
Massive Fan Turnout in Bilbao Despite Limited Tickets
The official venue, San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, has a capacity of around 53,000.
Both United and Spurs were given 15,000 tickets each, but thousands more supporters have made the trip regardless of whether they secured seats.
Many fans are expected to watch from local bars or fan zones, just to soak in the experience of the final.
What Comes Next for the Clubs and Their Fans?
With tensions already flaring and the stakes sky-high, Wednesday’s match promises to be a dramatic affair on every level.
Authorities will likely be on high alert to prevent further clashes between supporters, while fans hope the action on the field will speak louder than any fights in the streets.
Whether it ends in triumph or heartbreak, this final could define the season—and perhaps even reshape the direction of both clubs moving forward.