Real Oviedo - Athletic declared 'High risk' as heavy police deployment greets kick‑off
The real oviedo - athletic clash at Carlos Tartiere was officially designated a "High risk" fixture on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026 (ET), after authorities detected the movement of a small group of radical supporters to the Asturian capital. Confirmed lineups have been released and both teams were on the pitch for warm‑ups as an elevated security operation played out around the stadium.
Why the fixture was escalated to 'High risk'
The State Commission against Violence in Sport raised the match status following intelligence that about fifteen members of the ultra group Herri Norte had travelled to Oviedo. That collective has been included on the official list of radical and violent fan groups since 2018 and is subject to restrictions that bar them from entering stadiums as an identified bloc carrying banners or emblems.
Authorities were particularly concerned after a number of those travelling reportedly purchased seats within home sections. That circumstance forced organisers to tighten controls on sales and seating allocations ahead of the game. Organisers and security planners prepared for a visiting contingent of roughly one thousand fans, of whom 575 occupied tickets allocated by the home club; additional supporters secured entry through the club's general sales channels, complicating the task of keeping visiting and local ultras separated.
Historical context added to the anxiety. In recent months there have been high‑profile interventions tied to clashes or large, uncontrolled movements of ultra groups on fixtures involving these fans. Security officials have cited past episodes in the region and beyond where the presence of ideologically opposed groups required swift, robust policing to avoid escalation.
Matchday security measures and atmosphere
From around 5: 00 AM ET on Sunday, Feb. 15, a visible and reinforced police presence concentrated in the areas that traditionally host the most active home supporters. Access points to the stadium were bolstered, ticket checkpoints intensified and searches stepped up as part of the special protocol attached to a "High risk" designation. Stewards and policing teams coordinated to control flows and prevent the kind of unsanctioned gatherings that can precede confrontations.
Local ultras known for their apolitical, fan‑first stance occupy the north end at Carlos Tartiere and have adjusted banners and routines in recent seasons in response to earlier prohibitions on displays that identify groups by name. Visiting supporters maintain different political outlooks — a reality that increases the potential for tension if mingling occurs. To reduce that risk, officials planned timed entries and close monitoring of movements to ensure visiting fans are seated and separated well before kick‑off.
Clubs released confirmed starting lineups and both sets of players took part in pre‑match warm‑ups on the turf while the security operation remained active. Organisers emphasised the need for calm and order inside the stadium and reiterated that any banned symbols or coordinated provocations would be met with swift action, including ejections and potential follow‑up measures against identified offenders.
What to watch as the game unfolds
With heightened policing and strict ticket controls in place, the immediate focus for matchday authorities is to keep the game free of incidents and ensure safe entry and exit for all supporters. Crowd management, rapid response to any flare‑ups and adherence to stadium rules will be decisive factors in preventing the elevated risk level from translating into disruptions during or after the 90 minutes.
As the teams prepare for kick‑off, security sources remain on alert and the atmosphere around Carlos Tartiere is being closely monitored. Fans inside the ground watched warm‑ups with heightened awareness, while officers maintained a clear, visible presence around the stadium to deter trouble and uphold public order.
