The Santiago Bernabéu might look and sound slightly different for tonight's Champions League quarter-final. That's because UEFA has granted Real Madrid's request to close the roof of the 83,186-capacity stadium.
Carlo Ancelotti's side wants to enhance the atmosphere to make the white-bearing supporters louder and more intimidating. The strategy borrows from Manchester City. The Sky Blues fans roared their team to a 4-0 routing of Madrid last season at the Etihad. Semifinal winners City recorded their treble-winning season, highlighted by the Champions League triumph.
Madrid fans also plan to debut a 360-degree pre-match TIFO.
Locked in: Bernabéu's roof closure elevates UCL Clash
Madrid played with the newly input retractable roof during the Round of 16 tie against RB Leipzig. That game ended in a draw, sending Madrid on to the quarters.
Tonight's match-up is the third consecutive year these two European powerhouses face each other. Madrid nicked Madrid in the 2022 semifinals to win the tournament. Despite another strong home showing in the first leg of the semifinal last year at the Bernabéu, City beat up Madrid to take 5-1 on aggregate.
Ancelotti is hoping his side play with more courage this year. Antonio Rudiger has warned that the clash is “personal” against Haaland. There's no doubt 20-year-old starlet Jude Bellingham is a plus-up in Madrid's midfield.
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