4000 Atlanta Supporters Gather In The Middle Of Lockdown To Support The Team Against Madrid

Ahead of kick-off Atalanta versus Real Madrid (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Thousands of Atalanta supporters ignored the Italian football team's appeal to keep their distance before the Champions League match against Real Madrid in Bergamo, this Thursday morning local time.

Around 4.000 people gathered outside the Gewiss Stadium in northern Italy a few hours before the kickoff of the match at 03.00 a.m. local time under a festive atmosphere despite the restrictions related to COVID-19.

Cited from Antara, cheering supporters including a number of families carrying their children wearing masks waved banners, and flags accompanied by a fireworks display.

They are waiting for the bus transporting the Atalanta players and staff before the Champions League's last 16 first leg match.

Atalanta has broadcasted a request from the local health department not to appear at the stadium during the COVID-19 lockdown.

"We warn of the danger of contagion of the virus which we are fighting against with all our strength and abilities", Atalanta said, quoted by Antara from AFP.

Atalanta is playing his second season in the Champions League. They won their first round of 16 when they beat Valencia 4-1 in front of 45.000 spectators at the San Siro, Milan, which was later considered to be one of the reasons behind the rapid spread of COVID-19 in Italy where Bergamo was the epicenter of the corona outbreak in the country.

As for the match against Madrid, Atalanta had to admit the superiority of the Spanish giants with a thin score of 1-0.