Madrid, Dec 6 (IANS) Argentina’s River Plate arrived at their team hotel here amid tightened security three days before the Copa Libertadores final against Boca Juniors at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium here.
Upon their arrival at Eurostras Madrid Tower Hotel on Thursday, River Plate players led by coach Marcelo Gallardo were greeted by a score of fans, who were applauding and chanting, reports Efe news.
The Buenos Aires-based team is scheduled to hold a practice session later in the day at Real Madrid’s training facility.
The South American Soccer Confederation (Conmebol) on November 29 announced the Copa Libertadores final second leg was to be held in Madrid on December 9.
On November 24, fans of rival team River Plate attacked Boca’s team bus with stones, shattering windows.
This allowed pepper spray and tear gas, used by the police in an attempt to disperse the River fans, to enter the vehicle.
The Copa final was postponed twice after the bus attack, initially following the attack and subsequently to allow players more time to recover.
The first leg was played on November 11 at Boca’s La Bombonera Stadium and ended in a 2-2 draw.
–IANS
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