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Tensions boiled over ahead of a huge European night as Atletico Madrid arrived for an all-Spanish affair against Barcelona under heavy pressure.
Footage has emerged showing the hostile atmosphere awaiting the visitors before kick-off.
Atletico Madrid coach hit by fans as it arrived at the Camp Nou
Supporters were seen throwing bottles and objects at the Atletico team bus as it approached the Camp Nou for their UEFA Champions League clash.
Despite a strong police presence and barriers in place, bottles and other missiles struck the coach, with at least one window smashed during the incident.
Fortunately, there were no reported injuries among players or staff on board.
The scenes come after a similar flashpoint in a recent domestic cup tie between the two sides, underlining the intensity surrounding meetings between these teams.
FGG says: A fierce all-Spanish clash but lines were crossed
There’s no denying this was a massive game, with huge stakes and emotion riding on it, which is exactly what makes nights like this in the Champions League so special.
But incidents like this one do cross a clear line.
Hostile atmospheres are part of football culture, yet physical damage and risk to safety should never be accepted as part of the spectacle.
If anything, it highlights just how much this fixture means, but also why better control is needed to ensure that passion doesn’t spill over into something more dangerous.