Real Madrid has reached out to UEFA authorities seeking approval to host Manchester City under a covered roof at the Santiago Bernabeu for their upcoming Champions League quarterfinal clash on Tuesday, according to reports.
ESPN reveals that Madrid has formally requested UEFA's consideration, with the final verdict set to be determined during the routine pre-match technical briefing on Tuesday.
The ultimate decision will rest with UEFA in collaboration with match referee Francois Letexier, stipulating that the match's conditions at kickoff must remain consistent unless extreme weather necessitates the roof's adjustment.
Having clinched their inaugural Champions League trophy last season, City prepares to face Madrid for the third consecutive year in the tournament. Pep Guardiola's squad managed a 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu in last season's semifinal first leg, only to suffer a 3-1 defeat in Madrid during the previous semifinal's second leg, while the prior season's first-leg victory concluded in a 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu.
The installation of the retractable roof was part of the stadium's renovation project, which also saw the capacity expand to accommodate 85,000 spectators. Madrid now seeks to capitalize on this feature following their aggregate 5-1 defeat in the previous semifinals.
Reflecting on past encounters between City and Madrid, Guardiola stressed the evolution of both teams. With new players joining the ranks, the dynamics of the game have shifted. Despite City's advantage of playing the second leg at home, Guardiola remains pragmatic, acknowledging the intensity of each minute on the field. Analyzing Madrid's strengths, Guardiola highlighted their formidable attacking lineup, spearheaded by talents like Rodrygo, Bellingham, Valverde, and Vinicius. However, he urged his team not to merely focus on containment but to seize every opportunity to assert dominance.
Expressing admiration for Carlo Ancelotti, Guardiola remarked on the nature of football where defeats are often harshly judged. He emphasized the need to acknowledge the opponent's superiority when warranted, showcasing a balanced perspective.
"In football, it happens," Guardiola remarked during his pre-match press conference. "Sometimes I came here and they beat me, and I can say they were better."
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