When the Europa League Final kicks off in Bilbao on Wednesday, Tottenham Hotspur fans are expected to significantly outnumber Manchester United supporters, according to Mail Sport sources.
An Overflow of Tottenham Supporters
Both clubs have been allocated 15,000 seats each for the match at the 53,000-capacity San Mames Stadium.
However, there’s a massive influx of Spurs fans who are planning to travel to Bilbao without tickets.
Estimates suggest around 15,000 Tottenham supporters will be in the city, eager to experience the atmosphere, compared to just about 2,000 Manchester United fans in a similar situation.
For Spurs, this is a special occasion, with many supporters still riding the wave of excitement from their 2019 Champions League final appearance.
Though their last European final came in 1984, the chance to witness a major event like this has certainly sparked greater interest and enthusiasm among their fanbase.
Tight Security Measures in Place
Security preparations for the event have been robust, especially following the chaotic scenes at the 2021 European Championship final, when ticketless fans surged into Wembley Stadium ahead of the England vs. Italy match.
Since then, authorities have put in place tighter measures to ensure such disruptions do not repeat.
Officers from Bilbao traveled to London to meet with British authorities to learn how to create a ‘ring of steel’ around the stadium perimeter.
The area surrounding San Mames is densely populated with bars and restaurants, but there is confidence that ticketless fans will be unable to access the stadium.
A Collaborative Effort Among Forces
Police from Greater Manchester, the Met Police, and the UK Football Policing Unit will be on hand in Bilbao, working alongside the local Ertzaintza force, who have earned a reputation for their more relaxed approach compared to other Spanish cities.
Their willingness to cooperate was demonstrated by their recent visit to London, highlighting their commitment to ensuring a smooth event.
The collaboration between United and Spurs’ officials has been strong over the years, and there is a shared goal of preventing any issues like those seen in recent Champions League finals in Istanbul and Paris.
Fan Zones and Local Hospitality
Two separate fan zones will be set up in Bilbao, and local authorities don’t anticipate any conflicts between fans and residents.
Bilbao’s locals are passionate about football, but they are also known for their hospitality, and there’s a lot of excitement about the event.
Fans can expect a warm reception as they gather to cheer on their teams in what promises to be a memorable final.
With everything in place, it looks like the Europa League Final in Bilbao will be an unforgettable event for both sets of supporters.