Kyiv Subway Reopens Stations After Bomb Scare Ahead Of Champions League Final

Five subway stations in central Kyiv have been reopened after being temporarily closed following a bomb warning ahead of the UEFA Champions League final on May 26.

The Ukrainian capital's subway operator said in a statement on Twitter that the stations had been checked and reopened for passengers. It said no "dangerous items" were found.

The operator had earlier announced that it had closed the five stations after receiving a warning call.

The announcement came as thousands of Real Madrid and Liverpool fans are gathering in Kyiv for the first UEFA Champions League final to be played in Ukraine.

The final, which is being held in the NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, is due to start at 9:45 p.m. local time.

The final, hosted by the same stadium where the Euro 2012 final was played, is a rare prestigious event for Ukraine, a country grappling with a conflict with Russia-backed separatists in the east as well as severe economic and corruption problems.

Kyiv is also one of the most logistically-challenging locations chosen by UEFA for its most imporant club event, with a shortage of accommodation facilities and airports.

Real Madrid, the reigning champions, are chasing a record-extending 13th European title and a fourth win in five seasons.

Liverpool has reached the final for the first time in 11 years, and won the last of its five European titles in 2005.