This archive report was first published on 18 December 2019.
On December 18, 2019, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) announced that Barcelona and Real Madrid would travel to the Clasico on Wednesday from the same hotel as part of a large-scale security operation aimed at reducing the impact of Catalan independence protests.
The fixture had to be postponed in October due to violent demonstrations, and there are renewed fears of unrest breaking out around Camp Nou, where Barca and Madrid will tussle for top spot in La Liga.
According to reports, around 3,000 security personnel will be deployed at the stadium, and both teams have been instructed to gather at the Hotel Princesa Sofia at midday (1100 GMT) on Wednesday, eight hours before kick-off.
"It is a small change, but not very significant," said Barcelona's coach Ernesto Valverde on Tuesday. "When we play away, we are also in a hotel. It is not a big problem," he added.
Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane described the arrangements as "something different but the rules are the rules".
Barcelona also issued a statement on Tuesday night to fans planning to attend the game, advising supporters to use public transport, allow plenty of time, and warning of "exhaustive security checks" at entrances to the stadium.
Violent protests broke out in Catalonia in October after nine separatist leaders were sentenced to heavy prison sentences for their involvement in the independence referendum of 2017.
Democratic Tsunami, the protest group advocating another independence referendum for Catalonia, has called publicly for its supporters to gather at Barcelona's Camp Nou stadium from four hours before the 1900 GMT kick-off.
