Athletic Bilbao and Spartak Moscow fans clash in street ahead of Europa battle

FANS have been fighting in the streets ahead of Athletic Bilbao’s Europa League clash with Spartak Moscow.

The duo squared off in the second-leg of their last-32 game in Bilbao on Thursday evening.

EPA

Reuters

Bilbao had won the first leg in Moscow 3-1, meaning the visitors had to score at least two goals to stand a chance of going through.

But the action kicked off before a ball had been touched in the Spanish city.

Spartak fans clogged the town square and chanted football songs.

They also let off flares, clogging the place with red smoke.

SUN BETS: BET £10 GET A FREE £30 BET

EPA

EPA

EPA

This prompted a reaction from Bilbao fans and the locals, who were not happy about their turf being taken over.

However, the police quickly came in and made sure things didn’t get too wild.

Video footage captured plenty of the incidents, which can often happen during European clashes.

But neutral fans will be hoping the game makes for better viewing.

EPA

AFP

AFP

EPA