Real Madrid seeks UEFA approval to play Manchester City with a closed roof, according to reports

Real Madrid have requested UEFA’s permission to play Manchester City under a closed roof at the Santiago Bernabeu for Tuesday’s Champions League quarterfinal first-leg tie, as reported by ESPN. The decision on the roof will be made at a pre-match technical meeting, with the game ending under the same conditions it started unless severe weather intervenes.

The retractable cover at the Bernabeu, constructed during renovations that increased capacity to 85,000, is now being utilized by Madrid after previous semifinal losses. Pep Guardiola reflected on past encounters with Madrid, acknowledging the evolution of both teams and the need for his team to assert dominance on the field.

Guardiola highlighted Madrid’s attacking prowess but emphasized the need for his team to seize every opportunity. He expressed admiration for Carlo Ancelotti but stressed the importance of performance over reputation in football. The match promises to be a fiercely contested battle between two elite European clubs.

City won their first Champions League title last season and will face Madrid for the third successive year in the competition. The stage is set for a thrilling encounter between two footballing giants, with both teams vying for a crucial advantage in the first leg. The tactical battle between Guardiola and Ancelotti adds further intrigue to an already highly anticipated matchup.