Clasico kicks off amid tight security

The "El Clasico" football match between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona took place here on Saturday amid unprecedented security measures to prevent a possible terrorist attack in the wake of the Nov. 13 Paris massacre that killed 130 people.

The central and regional governments had outlined plans after a meeting with security forces on Thursday. The 80,000 supporters who attended the game at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium were protected by 1,200 members of the National Police Force, who were a highly visible presence along and around the Paseo de la Castellana.

There were also 122 local police officers and 1,195 private security guards, along with 80 workers from the Madrid emergency services and 60 from the Red Cross.

Fans making their way to the ground were greeted with three separate security cordons where they were subjected to body searches and also scanned with metal detectors.

Meanwhile, the sound of police helicopters filled the air and the presence of snipers on the roof of the offices at the Bernabeu was also indicated by photos posted on social networking site Twitter.

The doors of the stadium were opened to supporters two hours before the kick off to ensure that everyone was able to take their seat in time meaning that long before the game the streets were filled with supporters aiming to ensure they miss nothing. Endit