UEFA has officially approved Real Madrid’s special request to close the retractable roof of the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium ahead of their Champions League quarter-final second-leg match against Arsenal. This match, set to take place on Wednesday, is crucial for Los Blancos as they aim to overturn a 3-0 defeat suffered in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium.
Real Madrid made the request in hopes of creating a more intimidating and intense atmosphere inside the stadium. With the roof closed, the sound from the 85,000 fans is expected to echo and amplify, boosting the home advantage and energizing the players. While the club is allowed to shut the roof during La Liga matches at their discretion, UEFA regulations require special permission for Champions League fixtures a request that has now been granted.
The Santiago Bernabéu underwent major renovations between 2019 and 2024, transforming it into one of the most modern stadiums in the world. Among the key features added were a retractable roof and retractable pitch, enabling the stadium to host a wide range of events including football matches, concerts, and other major gatherings.
The total cost of the renovations was approximately $1.91 billion, (251 billion Kenyan Shillings). According to reports, Real Madrid will repay the cost over time with annual payments of about $71.5 million — nearly 9.4 billion Kenyan shillings until the year 2053.
With their backs against the wall, Carlo Ancelotti’s side needs at least three goals to stay in contention for a spot in the semi-finals. The club has a strong Champions League pedigree, having lifted the trophy twice in the past few years, and they’ll be banking on their home crowd and the closed-roof effect to inspire a memorable comeback.
All eyes now turn to Madrid, where football fans around the world will be watching to see if Real Madrid can pull off another Champions League miracle under the lights — and under the roof — at the iconic Bernabéu.
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