Real Madrid has reportedly asked UEFA for permission to play their upcoming Champions League quarterfinal first-leg tie against Manchester City under a closed roof at the Santiago Bernabeu. The aim behind this request is to enhance the atmosphere for the highly anticipated match between the two top-tier football clubs.
This isn’t the first time that the two clubs have faced off in the Champions League. City, who clinched their first Champions League title last season, have previously met Madrid in the competition. Pep Guardiola’s team had a memorable 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu in last season’s semifinal first-leg, followed by a disappointing 3-1 loss in Madrid in the semifinal second-leg a year earlier.
Madrid’s move to request a closed roof comes after they suffered a 5-1 aggregate defeat in last season’s semifinal. The retractable roof that was recently added to the stadium during renovations has provided Madrid with an opportunity to create a more intense atmosphere and potentially gain a psychological edge over City.
City sources have confirmed Madrid’s request to UEFA. The final decision on whether to play with a closed or opened roof will be made at a routine pre-match technical meeting, scheduled to take place at 4:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday. The game must start and end under the same conditions unless severe weather necessitates a change.
City’s preparation for the match has been hampered by the absence of right-back Kyle Walker, who is sidelined with a thigh injury sustained while on international duty with England last month. Walker played a crucial role in the previous encounters against Madrid, especially in the 4-0 second-leg victory at the Etihad.
Guardiola, City’s manager, has expressed his admiration for Madrid’s coach Carlo Ancelotti but believes that City outperformed the Spanish giants in their previous meetings. He emphasized the need to approach the upcoming match as a new challenge, with both teams having made changes to their squads since their last encounter.
Looking Ahead
Guardiola predicts that the upcoming game will be a “classic,” albeit with a fresh set of circumstances. He acknowledges the strengths of Madrid’s squad and emphasizes the importance of taking an offensive approach to score goals and secure a positive result.
Real Madrid’s decision to play Manchester City under a closed roof signifies their strategic approach to gain an advantage in the Champions League clash. As the two powerhouse clubs prepare to face off once again, the football world eagerly awaits the outcome of this exciting encounter.
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