MADRID, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- The president of the Madrid Autonomous Community, Angel Garrido said on Friday that the city has the capacity to host the return leg of the final of the Copa Libertadores between Argentina's River Plate and Boca Juniors.
The second leg of the final, which was due to be played in River's Estadio Monumental last Saturday had to be postponed after violent crowd scenes which saw the Boca team bus pelted with stones and missiles and a series of incidents both inside and outside of the ground.
The South American Football Confederation on Thursday decided the return leg will now be played in Spain with Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu Stadium being announced as the venue.
When asked about the possible security problems having Boca and River fans, who are bitter rivals at the best of times, descend on Madrid, Garrido explained on Spanish radio that it's a "good thing" for the city.
"It is something that will probably never happen again and they have chosen us for our experience of organizing events on this level and because Madrid is a safe capital."
Although there is only a week to organize the huge security operation the game will require , Garrido insisted the Madrid region had "capacity and organization for a rapid response."
He said he hoped that Argentinean fans who attended the final would be "better behaved" than a week ago in Buenos Aires, but highlighted the city had experience in hosting major events. He cited the World Karate Championships and the final of the European Cup as examples.
The game also falls on a holiday weekend in Spain, with the capital expected to host people from all over Spain, who are in town for their Christmas shopping. "It's a difficult date, but we have a lot of hotel spaces," said Garrido.
