What’s behind ISIS threat to Champions League soccer matches?

The threats follow an ISIS-linked shooting in Belgium in October. The group remains particularly active in Iraq and Syria, though it no longer holds territory there.
A general view as players of Real Madrid warm up prior to the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg match between Real Madrid CF and Manchester City at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on April 09, 2024, in Madrid, Spain.
A general view as players of Real Madrid warm up prior to the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg match between Real Madrid CF and Manchester City at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on April 09, 2024, in Madrid, Spain. - Angel Martinez/Getty Images
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Four major association football (soccer) matches in the United Kingdom, Spain and France are proceeding this week, despite threats from the Islamic State (ISIS).

The league is an annual competition of top division European soccer clubs and is organized by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). 

What happened: The quarterfinals in the Champions League are taking place on Tuesday and Wednesday. The following are the quarterfinals matches:

  • Arsenal vs. Bayern Munich, Emirates Stadium in London, Tuesday
  • Real Madrid vs. Manchester City, Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, Tuesday
  • Paris Saint-Germain vs. FC Barcelona, Parc des Princes in Paris, Wednesday
  • Atletico Madrid vs. Borussia Dortmund, Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, Wednesday

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