Ostend (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – FC Barcelona arrives in Ostend today, Nov 4, 2025, for tomorrow’s, Nov 5, 2025, Champions League match against Club Brugge. Mayor Jan de Keyser oversees strict security with local and federal police to ensure a safe stay.
As VRT News reported, this afternoon, Nov 3, 2025, FC Barcelona’s players are arriving in Ostend ahead of tomorrow’s, Nov 5, 2025, Champions League match against Club Brugge. The team first finished a training session in Spain. After landing at Ostend Airport, they will go straight to their hotel in Oostkamp.
“We’ve already hosted quite a few world-class teams, and we’ve built up some experience,”
says Mayor Jan de Keyser (CD&V).
“We want the municipality of Oostkamp to be a good host. The players need to be able to prepare for their match in peace and quiet”
What security measures are in place as FC Barcelona arrives in Ostend for Club Brugge match?
According to officials, a full security plan has been put in place to protect both the players and the public. Local police, federal police, and the security teams of Club Brugge and FC Barcelona are working together, along with other authorities. The plan includes safe transport routes, controlled areas, and constant monitoring at the airport and hotel. De Keyser, responsible for coordinating security.
De Keyser said,
“We’re going to deploy extra patrols not only during the day, but also at night. Some time ago, when the Italian team Fiorentina visited, fireworks were set off in front of the hotel where the players were staying, disrupting their sleep. I wasn’t happy about that, and neither were the staff and players at Fiorentina. That shouldn’t happen again.”
“There’s no point in coming to the hotel,”
says the mayor.
“We’re hermetically sealing off the area. Everyone will be kept at a distance.”
Authorities are taking strict measures to prevent large crowds and to protect both the visiting team and the public.
“I understand that the supporters are eager to catch a glimpse of the players. It’s a world-class team with fantastic players. We’re happy to welcome them, but we have to treat them fairly.”
Officials mentioned that Club Brugge has hosted many major teams for Champions League matches in the past. But FC Barcelona causes a stronger and more emotional reaction than other clubs. Fans are excited because of the club’s global fame and the presence of top players.
“FC Barcelona isn’t just a football machine; it’s also a marketing machine,”
says De Keyser.
“Moreover, Club Brugge is becoming an increasingly bigger team. When you combine all these factors, you know a certain emotion arises, and emotion breeds curiosity. Curiosity often makes some people do crazy things, and we want to prevent that.”
The match between Club Brugge and FC Barcelona is part of the 2025‑26 UEFA Champions League group stage. It will be played on November 5, 2025, at the Jan Breydel Stadion in Bruges. Barcelona last visited the stadium on 29 October 2002, when they won 1‑0 in a Champions League group game.
That match was also notable for the first appearance of Andrés Iniesta for Barcelona. The upcoming game has generated strong interest from fans and media, as the club’s world-class players draw attention from across Belgium and beyond. Authorities are preparing for large crowds and high security due to the team’s global fame
