Barcelona supporters were forced to flee their coach whilst journeying to Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Club Brugge after it erupted in flames. The incident unfolded just hours before kick-off in Belgium.
Barca fans were making their way to the Jan Breydel Stadium aboard the coach when smoke and fire were detected. The vehicle was travelling along a motorway close to the city of Bruges when it was was brought to a halt.
Video footage reveals distressed passengers waiting beside the carriageway as fire consumed the rear section of the coach, reports The Mirror. Billowing black smoke filled the atmosphere, whilst fans observed their means of transport burning against the evening sky.
Many supporters maintained positive attitudes, with some heard singing in the background of clips. Others were spotted using their mobile phones, demonstrating to friends and family what had just occurred.
Reports indicate that nobody sustained injuries. The match commences at 8pm UK time.
Barcelona enter the fixture following a patchy Champions League campaign thus far. Hansi Flick’s squad, who were moments away from reaching the final last season, commenced with a 2-0 victory away to Newcastle.
In their subsequent match, they suffered defeat at home to Paris Saint-Germain. Barcelona bounced back last time out by demolishing Olympiacos 6-1, placing them on six points after three matches.
For Brugge, they suffered a crushing 4-0 defeat to Bayern Munich in their most recent Champions League outing. That followed a tight 2-1 loss away at Atalanta.
However, the Belgian side do boast one victory after demolishing Monaco 4-1 in September. Brugge also comfortably dispatched Scottish giants Rangers in the play-off round to secure their place in Europe’s premier tournament.
Barcelona are preparing for a tough test against Brugge. “Every match in this Champions League is important,” Robert Lewandowski, who started on the bench, said at Tuesday’s pre-match press conference.
“Every point is gold. So in our minds, it’s only about how to win. Brugge are a very strong at home and we have to play at 100 per cent to get the three points, which is our main goal.”
Discussing Nicky Hayen’s squad, Flick added: “They’re a good team, especially at home. They press well, love the ball, and move quickly – I enjoy watching them play.”
