Champions League: Spain feels the pain

Champions League: Spain feels the pain
By Catherine Hardy
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Home but away clash for Spanish titans Atletico and Real as Madrid and the rest of Spain holds its breath.

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Madrid will come to a standstill for 90 minutes on Saturday evening as the Spanish capital’s two teams go head-to-head in Milan in the final of the Champions League.

Whatever the outcome, the cup is coming home to Madrid – but who with?

One thing is for sure, there will be winners and losers.

Where will the fans gather?

The winners of Saturday’s Champions League will celebrate at one of two fountains in the Spanish capital.

The Fountain of Neptune is the traditional meeting point for Atletico fans, while the Fountain of Cibeles is where Real Madrid fans will gather.

Meanwhile in Madrid, they've found an ingenious way to encourage smokers to dispose of their cigarettes #UCLFinalpic.twitter.com/XoDO8lIe8O

— BreatheSport (@BreatheSport) May 28, 2016

Thousands of fans are expected in the Spanish capital to watch the match.

Madrid is divided – and the rest of Spain with it.

What are the fans saying?

“All that matters to me is that Atletico do well. This is the second time I have come here for a final. We made the journey two years ago but Atletico lost,” said one man Euronews spoke to, who had come from southern Spain.

“Players like Keylor, Navas, Ronaldo, Modric are the strengths of Real Madrid – their playing will help us win,” a Real fan told Euronews.

“It is a bittersweet feeling. Both teams are from Madrid, which is great to see, but also a little difficult as they are close rivals,” said another.

Bars and restaurants to net a fortune

Whether Real or Atletico, a football team will not be the only winner on Saturday.

Bars across Spain are set to rake in 36 million euros as devoted fans turn out to watch the match.

What our correspondent says

Euronews’ correspondent Carlos Marlasca says the first victory has already gone to Atletico Madrid.

The regional government launched a Twitter contest and the biggest response came from Atletico fans, meaning one of the city’s main buildings was lit up in the club’s colours.

Madrid is quiet at the moment. But the streets are expected to be a throng of colour later, in what will also be a good day for bars and restaurants.

Whoever wins tonight, the Champions League cup is coming to Madrid.

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