UEFA has formally responded to Real Madrid’s request to close the roof of its stadium to resist Mikel Arteta’s arsenal.
UEFA has allowed Real Madrid to allow the closing of the roof of Santiago Bernabéu to face the Champions League quarter-finals with Arsenal.
The Spanish Giants will be behind at three goals, hoping to leverage the full power of their family support to make a dramatic comeback. Unlike La Liga, the club has autonomy over roof decisions, with EU regulations requiring formal recognition of retractable roof closures during the Champions League. The rules also state that once the game begins, the roof cannot be opened or closed.
As reported Sports Activitiesthe governing body approved Madrid’s request, another occasion to allow Los Blancos to play under the closed roofs in Europe. Last season, they also used this feature in several key matches, including a home run against Bayern Munich in the semifinals. In that match, Joselu’s late Brace overturned the deficit, keeping Madrid’s title hopeful.
Carlo Ancelotti previously highlighted the impact of playing under an enclosed roof and pointed out how it amplifies the noise and improves the atmosphere in the stadium, which he believes will help improve the team’s morale and energy levels.
Real Madrid holds an impressive record in the Champions League this season, with Alvaro Morata winning 3-1 against his former team, besides a group defeat against AC Milan.
In the playoffs, Madrid overcame Manchester City with a two-legged victory, including Kylian MbappĂ©’s family hat trick. They also beat city rival Madrid rivals 2-1 in 16 rounds, eventually heading through a penalty kick after losing 1-0 in the return game.
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