On Tuesday evening (local time), around 300 Rayo Vallecano fans, deemed high-risk for disorder, gathered in central Leipzig. The group confronted Crystal Palace supporters seated outside a restaurant, leading to the throwing of bottles, beer glasses, and restaurant furniture. Leipzig police intervened to separate the two groups but were attacked from both sides.
In a separate incident, approximately 60 Crystal Palace fans, described as "known troublemakers," moved to the Penguin Ice Bar area and provoked Spanish fans passing by, forcing federal police to surround them.
Two police officers sustained minor injuries but remained on duty. More than 300 people were checked for identification. Two individuals were arrested. Saxony police stated that authorities had been on standby since Monday, with support from riot police.
The Europa Conference League final between Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano takes place on Wednesday, marking the first European final for both clubs. It is also the last match for Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner before he leaves the club at the end of the season. A victory for Palace would bring English clubs closer to securing all three men's European trophies this season, following Aston Villa's win in the Europa League. Arsenal will face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final on Saturday.
Earlier, Paris police also faced violence and riots after PSG's semi-final win over Bayern Munich. A heavy security presence is expected in Hungary's capital, Budapest, for this weekend's Champions League final.
