Atlético faces a situation this afternoon until recently, but which has become strange in this new normal: they will play a game with an audience. UEFA authorized each country to decide whether or not fans enter their stadiums, up to a maximum of 30%, and Russia is one of those who have said yes. In this way, Lokomotiv will let in today more than 8,000 fans to cheer on their duel against the rojiblancos.
A week ago, 8,196 people were able to attend Lokomotiv-Bayern on the second day. Actually, in Russia it is not something exceptional either, since in the domestic competition there has been an audience since it resumed months ago. In the case of the rojiblanco rival, the capacity of the RZD Arena is about 27,300 spectators and today it will also be filled up to that 30%. Of course, from Atlético no fan has been able to accompany the team, as Russia does not yet accept tourists from Spain.
For Simeone's team, playing with an environment, even if it is limited, is a novelty. The last time he played a game with an audience in the stands was almost eight months ago. March 11th, Anfield's big night, 2-3 over Liverpool. Upon returning from England, competitions were suspended and, when they resumed almost three months later, the stadiums were closed to the fans.
The footballers have manifested on more than one occasion that they long for the warmth of the public, especially in the Wanda Metropolitano, where they feel “a plus” to carry out the meetings. That extra, for now, will not have any Spanish team both in the League and in European competitions, as the authorities have decided, and it will still be that way for some time.
In addition to Russia, there are other countries that have decided to open the lathes and let their fans pass, although always with reduced capacity. Hungary, Austria and Belgium, among others, accept spectators in their stadiums. So did Germany, but finally that measure has been reversed and in November at least there will be no public. In Bavaria there was no longer it before and that's why Bayern-Atleti was played behind closed doors. The pandemic sets the pace and restrictions, but this afternoon, in Moscow, Atleti will return to play before the fans, even if it is the rival's.