Real Madrid has secured UEFA's permission to close the Santiago Bernabéu's roof for the upcoming Champions League showdown against Manchester City. This decision, made during a pre-match meeting with UEFA match delegates and referee François Letexier, is intended to create a more intense and vocal atmosphere for Tuesday night's quarter-final clash.
This is not the first time UEFA has acceded to such a request from the Spanish giants. A similar permission was granted four weeks ago for Real Madrid's last-16 second-leg tie against RB Leipzig, which concluded in a 1-1 draw. The decision underscores the significance of the home atmosphere in European competitions, with the newly renovated Bernabéu, boasting an increased capacity of 85,000, set to provide a formidable backdrop for the match.
The quarter-final marks the fourth occasion Pep Guardiola's Manchester City has visited the Bernabéu, a venue where the former Barcelona player and manager acknowledges a special resonance. Guardiola's history with the venue adds an intriguing subplot to the encounter, as he aims to "hurt" and "punish" the Madrid side, reflecting on his team's victory over Real Madrid in the previous season's semi-final.
Real Madrid's strategic decision to close the roof is part of a broader effort to leverage every possible advantage in what is poised to be the season's most significant match thus far. The club has also planned a 360-degree mosaic display themed around "greatness" and "history to be made," further galvanizing the home support.
Adding to the pre-match fervor, Real Madrid's winger Vinicius Jr. has rallied the club's supporters to don all-white attire, reinforcing the unity and collective spirit among the Madrid faithful. This call to action underscores the club's determination to create a daunting atmosphere for the visiting Manchester City squad.
Despite these off-field preparations, Real Madrid's coach Carlo Ancelotti, a seasoned tactician with a storied history in the Champions League, emphasized that the ultimate outcome would hinge on the performance of the players on the pitch. Ancelotti's remarks at the pre-match press conference highlighted his belief in the decisive role of player quality in determining the match's outcome. "The tie is at the feet of the best players," Ancelotti stated, acknowledging the talent-laden rosters of both teams and the pivotal impact they will have on the game.
As the anticipation builds for this high-stakes encounter, both teams are keenly aware of the stakes. With the first leg set to unfold at the Bernabéu, the closed roof strategy reflects Real Madrid's commitment to using every available tool to secure a favorable result before the tie heads to Manchester for the decisive second leg.
