Paris on edge: Barricades and troops deployed ahead of Champions League final

Paris is bracing for potential unrest as shop owners on the Champs-Élysées take drastic measures to protect their businesses ahead of the Champions League final. Many are boarding up windows and erecting barricades, fearing a repeat of the widespread vandalism and looting that occurred after their club's victory last year.

Social media is filled with images of shopkeepers preparing for the evening, a stark visual of the anxiety gripping the city. The fear is palpable, especially after last year's celebrations, which saw significant property damage and even loss of life.

Authorities have announced an increased police presence across the city's major gathering points, with the military also on standby. The heightened security measures underscore the concerns that the final could again descend into chaos, overshadowing the sporting event itself.