Hell in a Cell: Real Madrid prepare special stadium conditions to intimidate Manchester City

Closed-roof Santiago Bernabeu | FirstPost

Hell in a Cell: Real Madrid prepare special stadium conditions to intimidate Manchester City

Ayoola Kelechi 15:25 - 09.04.2024

Manchester City's trip to Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu stadium is going to be anything but pleasant

Real Madrid is gearing up for their Champions League clash against Manchester City with a strategic move to create an intimidating atmosphere at the Santiago Bernabeu after being granted permission from UEFA to make modifications to their stadium similar to the famous WWE ring setting for matches tagged “Hell in a Cell.”

Real Madrid will seal Santiago Bernabeu stadium for vocal atmosphere

Real Madrid's desire to maximize the home advantage against Manchester City has been granted by Uefa, allowing the club to close the roof of the Santiago Bernabeu during the Champions League encounter on Tuesday night. The decision was made at a meeting in the Spanish capital, where Uefa match delegates and referee François Letexier convened to discuss match arrangements.

With the roof closed Real Madrid aims to ensure as vocal an atmosphere as possible, creating an environment that could potentially unsettle the visiting Manchester City side. The strategic move is part of the club's efforts to leverage their home-ground advantage and rally support from their passionate fan base.

Continuation of a Successful Strategy

This is not the first time that Real Madrid has implemented such a tactic. Just four weeks ago, during their last-16 second leg against RB Leipzig, the club successfully secured permission from Uefa to seal the stadium. The decision paid off as Real Madrid held RB Leipzig to a 1-1 draw, progressing to the next round of the competition.

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The Santiago Bernabeu, recently renovated with an increased capacity of 85,000, provides an ideal setting for Real Madrid to assert their dominance on the European stage. As they prepare to face Manchester City, the Spanish giants aim to capitalize on the imposing atmosphere of their iconic stadium to gain a crucial advantage in the quarter-final clash.

Guardiola's Challenge at the Bernabeu

For Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, the trip to the Santiago Bernabeu poses a familiar challenge. This will be the fourth time under Guardiola's tenure that City faces Real Madrid at their home ground. Guardiola will need to strategize effectively to overcome the formidable environment orchestrated by Real Madrid and secure a positive result for his team.

As Real Madrid sets the stage for their Champions League showdown with Manchester City, the decision to close the Santiago Bernabeu's roof underscores the club's commitment to creating a daunting atmosphere for their opponents. With Uefa's approval and a passionate fan base behind them, Real Madrid aims to leverage their home advantage and secure a vital victory in their quest for European glory.

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