Real Madrid has requested permission from UEFA to close the roof at the Santiago Bernabéu for their upcoming Champions League quarterfinal first-leg match against Manchester City, aiming to enhance the atmosphere for the encounter, sources informed.
This move comes as Madrid seeks to capitalize on the retractable roof installed during stadium renovations, which increased the capacity to 85,000 fans.
The decision on whether to play with an open or closed roof will be determined at a routine pre-match technical meeting on Tuesday, with UEFA and match referee François Letexier making the final call.
The game must begin and end under the same roof conditions, unless severe weather conditions necessitate a change.
Santiago Bernabeu (Via Realmadrid_en/Twitter)
Real Madrid opted for a closed roof during their round-of-16 home leg against RB Leipzig and have frequently utilized this configuration during LaLiga home matches this season.
Manchester City will enter the match without their injured right-back Kyle Walker, who remains sidelined due to a thigh injury sustained while on international duty with England last month.
Walker played a pivotal role in neutralizing Vinícius Júnior during last season’s semifinal, notably in City’s dominant 4-0 second-leg win at the Etihad.
Santiago Bernabeu (Via Realmadrid_en/Twitter)
Reflecting on previous encounters, City manager Pep Guardiola emphasized that City’s victory wasn’t solely due to Madrid’s shortcomings but rather their own strengths.
Guardiola anticipates a different dynamic this time, acknowledging changes in both squads since their last meetings.
While Guardiola recognizes Madrid’s formidable abilities, he stressed City’s intention to assert their style of play and exploit scoring opportunities.
Guardiola emphasized the need to approach the match with offensive intent, acknowledging Madrid’s capacity to control various aspects of the game while emphasizing City’s determination to impose their identity on the field.
