Thousands of Chelsea and Dortmund fans march through London amid huge police presence for Champions League clash

THOUSANDS of fans lined the streets of London amid a heavy police presence ahead of Chelsea’s clash with Borussia Dortmund.

The Blues trail 1-0 down from the first leg against the German giants in the Champions League last-16 tie.

Thousands of fans marched to Stamford Bridge amid a heavy police presenceRichard Pelham / The Sun

Blue flares were let off as cops struggled to hold back the crowds outsideRichard Pelham / The Sun

But victory over Leeds at the weekend sees Graham Potter and his side head into tonight’s second leg with renewed confidence.

And the Chelsea team received a warm welcome as home fans let off a blue flare to welcome the team coach to Stamford Bridge.

However, Dortmund are also set to have a huge backing and the capital has already seen them take over.

The thousands of travelling supporters, led by cops, marched through the streets of London towards the ground before kick off as they performed renditions of their favourite anthems.

However, tensions began to mount outside the stadium according to those on the scene as they were held by police.

Journalist Matt Pearson tweeted a photo of the jam-packed streets and wrote: “Thousands of Borussia Dortmund fans being held behind a police cordon ahead of #CHEBVB.

“Couple of little skirmishes, it’s been a long wait.”

Meanwhile, Potter has made two changes for the showdown.

HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL

Reece James returns at right-wing back in place of Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

And Marc Cucurella is starting at left-centre back in place of Benoit Badiashile.

For Dortmund, Raphael Guerreiro comes in for Julian Ryerson at left-wing back.

Otherwise, BVB are unchanged following their 2-1 win against RB Leipzig with England star Jude Bellingham starting in midfield for them.

Richard Pelham / The SunThousands of supporters lined the streets of West London[/caption]