UEFA has approved a special request from Real Madrid ahead of their Champions League quarter-final second leg clash with Arsenal.
Following a 3-0 first-leg defeat at the Emirates—where Declan Rice netted two stunning free-kicks and Mikel Merino added a third—Los Blancos face a daunting task to turn the tie around and reach the semi-finals. With Arsenal rarely conceding heavily and Real needing an early goal to spark a comeback, the Spanish giants are hoping for any advantage they can get.
Now, UEFA and Real Madrid have confirmed to SPORTbible that the club has been granted permission to close the retractable roof of the Santiago Bernabeu—a feature of their newly renovated £1.5 billion stadium. Typically, Real can make that call in domestic games, but for UEFA competitions, prior approval is required and cannot be changed mid-match.
The decision, aimed at creating an intense, noise-filled atmosphere, could add pressure on Mikel Arteta’s side. Real boss Carlo Ancelotti has previously said the closed roof enhances the crowd’s energy and boosts the team’s motivation.
Although Real will be without Eduardo Camavinga after his red card in the first leg, they’re expected to welcome back Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr. Bellingham, who was reportedly involved in a training ground spat with Antonio Rudiger, kept his focus by urging fans to believe ahead of the crucial clash: “Believe! See you Wednesday Madridistas.”
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