The Bernabéu, ready for action

First it was the grass and then the necessary operation so that the stands can accommodate the public. The New Bernabéu can already host matches despite the fact that piecework is still being done to try to shorten the completion dates for the remodeling works, which are scheduled for the summer of 2022. But the big news is that, coinciding with the position of UEFA that allows a 30% capacity in European competition matches, Real Madrid has everything ready in case the Government of Spain gives the green light to the access of the fans.

After the success of the pilot match of the UEFA Super Cup in Budapest on 24 September, UEFA has decided to allow the partial return (up to 30%) of spectators in UEFA matches (Champions, Europa League, Nations League , friendly teams and Youth League), starting in next week's national team matches. But for that to happen, public access must be approved by the Spanish government. In Real Madrid it is expected that this will not happen throughout 2020. Even less so in Madrid, where the pandemic is hitting hard. But they also firmly acknowledge that, in case “tomorrow we should let the fans in, we are prepared.”

Before the operation necessary for the access of the people, for which some of the access doors to the enclosure and the openings that give access to the upper tiers have been enabled (since it is the lower ones that have been seen, to date , most affected by the works), the entity's gardener, Paul Burges, completed the replanting of the lawn, which was one hundred percent completed at the beginning of September. Either way, the white entity will continue with its roadmap, proposing that the first team plays all its home games at Alfredo Di Stéfano, including those of the Champions League. For that to change, the CSD will have to give the go-ahead. For Madrid is assuming a great saving in the works not having to assemble and disassemble the heavy machinery between games played at the Bernabéu.