A SCHOOL in Bilbao will shut early on Thursday as the city prepares for a visit from the Marseille ultras.
Fans from these two teams violently clashed in the past and the La Liga side are on red alert after chaos erupted before a recent tie with Spartak Moscow.
A police officer tragically lost his life and at least five others were taken to hospital when Bilbao hosted Spartak last month in the Europa League.
And in a desperate bid to keep the people of Bilbao safe, Pureza de Maria school will close earlier than normal.
They sent a letter out to inform the pupils’ parents and guardians that they will be closing at 15:00 CET.
It said: “The most important thing is the safety of both the children and all members of staff.”
1500 security officers will be stationed around the city and inside of the stadium on Thursday.
Local police have asked all hotels to remove glass and furniture from its lobbies to minimise the chance of the violence.
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Restaurants and cafes in the area have also been banned from putting tables and chairs outside.
Marseille fans will be penned in the away end with a perimeter fence at San Mames Stadium.
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Every bin in the area and in the stadium has also been removed.
As well as having a job to do off the pitch, Bilbao also have a huge task on their hands on the pitch after a shocking first leg performance.
Marseille enter the clash with a 3-1 advantage.
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