Security fears ahead of El Clasico as 2,500 soldiers are called in to counter terror threat

  • Real Madrid meet Barcelona in first Clasico of the season on Saturday 
  • With over 600 million people expected to watch around the world, security alert ahead of highest-profile game since Paris terror attacks 
  • Fans are encouraged to arrive two hours before kick-off  

By Jonny Singer for MailOnline

Published: 05:24 EST, 21 November 2015 | Updated: 10:29 EST, 21 November 2015

Saturday evening's El Clasico is set for a huge security presence, with thousands of soldiers called in to help the game pass off safely.

With 85,000 fans set to be packed into the Santiago Bernabeu for Real Madrid's game against Barcelona, and 600m viewers around the world, the game represents the biggest fixture since last week's Paris terror attacks.

And with security fears surrounding the game, fans have been encouraged to arrive two hours before kick-off, while there will be 2,500 troops present, according to Spanish paper AS, which call the game the 'exceptional Clasico'.

El Clasico is affected by security fears according to AS
Meanwhile Marca says both sides will be 'without fear'

El Clasico is affected by security fears according to AS, while Marca focus on both side's attacking intent

Spanish police patrol outside the Santiago Bernabeu ahead of the game on Saturday, with security tightened

Spanish police patrol outside the Santiago Bernabeu ahead of the game on Saturday, with security tightened

Policemen check the sewers amid reports that 2,500 troops have been called in for additional security

Policemen check the sewers amid reports that 2,500 troops have been called in for additional security

The clash is the centre of attention in all the Spanish papers, with Marca expecting it to be played 'without fear'.

According to the paper both Rafa Benitez and Luis Enrique will send their teams out to attack, with Lionel Messi set to be fit.

Mundo Deportivo reports that it will be up to the Argentine whether he starts the game or not, but they expect Barca's 'trident' of Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez to play at the Bernabeu, while Sport claim that the world is waiting on Messi.

'The trident for the Bernabeu', says Mundo Deportivo
The World is waiting on Messi, according to Sport

The fitness of Lionel Messi is the focus for Mundo Deportivo and Sport, who claim the world is waiting on him

In Italy, El Clasico makes the front page of most of their sports papers, but the focus is on their own big game, as Juventus take on AC Milan.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport 'whoever loses is done for' while Tuttosport suggests that Paulo Dybala will be key for Massimiliano Allegri's side.

There is also news from the paper that English clubs are interested in Mauro Icardi, but the Inter striker is set to stay in Italy. 

Whoever loses is done for, according to Gazzetta
Dybala must not be the problem for Juventus, according to Tuttosport

Juventus' game against Milan in the focus in Italy, with Gazzetta caliming whoever loses is 'done for'

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