Paris Saint-Germain are trying to find out more information after reports of firecrackers being set off outside Real Madrid's hotel on Monday night ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash between the two clubs in the French capital, a source has told ESPN FC.
Le Parisien reports that two people carrying backpacks were arrested shortly after the incidents at 1:30 a.m. CET following chanting and pyrotechnics outside Real's hotel on the Rue de Courcelles in Paris's eighth arrondissement, seemingly in an effort to keep Zinedine Zidane and his players awake.
À 1h30 du matin, un groupe d'ultras parisiens est venu réveiller les joueurs madrilènes devant leur hôtel ! #PSG #PSGReal pic.twitter.com/rZqS354wVa
— PSG Society (@PSGsociety) March 6, 2018
Real hold a 3-1 aggregate lead after the first leg of the round-of-16 tie at the Bernabeu in Madrid, and PSG must attempt to overcome that deficit without injured star forward Neymar.
A source close to PSG told ESPN FC that the club is trying to find about more about the incident before making any possible comment.
Paris Ultras Collective (Collectif Ultras Paris) president Romain Mabille recently told PSG's official club website that the group "want Real to know what it means to come to Paris."
"The atmosphere promises to be electric," the CUP chief added. "In the stands, like on the pitch, the PSG family is preparing to write history!"
The role of PSG's ultras has been played up ahead of the return leg, with members of the group expected to fill both ends of the Parc des Princes -- instead of their usual home in the Auteuil end.
The Ultras were also on hand to welcome the PSG squad to their prematch hotel, the Renaissance in Rueil-Malmaison, where they spent the night together before the game.
Les ultras se chauffent la voix en attendant le bus du PSG à Rueil-Malmaison. #PSGREAL pic.twitter.com/t3xzR4GzVj
— Le Parisien - PSG (@le_Parisien_PSG) March 5, 2018
L'arrivée enflammée des Parisiens à leur mise au vert à Rueil Malmaison. #PSGREAL pic.twitter.com/LTTd86g0mv
— Le Parisien - PSG (@le_Parisien_PSG) March 5, 2018
The PSG players were given a fiery reception and the ultras hope that this show of force, plus the atmosphere that awaits the players at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday night, will have the players a psychological edge over the defending champions.