In the Real Madrid-Liverpool preview, Jurgen Klopp was upset at having to play the match at Alfredo di Stéfano. “It is true that we have been playing in empty stadiums for a long time, but this is something completely different. It is a training ground. It's like visiting Manchester United and playing in their training ground. It is something very different from anything else we have experienced before, “were his words. But, Is the fiefdom that Castilla usually uses really a problem?
The dimensions of it say no. It is true that the scenario, compared to the Santiago Bernabéu, is completely different. This may lead one to think that the Di Stéfano is smaller than a top-level field, but nothing could be further from the truth. The measurements of both stadiums are exactly the same, 105×68 meters. Namely, the standard stipulated in all UEFA competition, which is shared by 12 First Division teams.
Anfield, below the stipulated
It's more, Anfield is considerably smaller than the place where Real Madrid executed Klopp and his men (3-1) this Tuesday. Liverpool's home has dimensions of 101×68 meters, slightly above what the FA (English Federation) recommends and below what is recommended by UEFA, as we have already advanced.
“UEFA's standard pitch dimensions are 105m x 68m. Likewise, there must be a border (of natural or artificial grass) of a minimum width of 1.5 m around the entire perimeter. These dimensions are already accepted worldwide and should be considered mandatoryThis is how it appears in the 'UEFA guide to quality stadiums', which can be found on uefa.com.
AS newspaper
Regarding the grass, the Di Stéfano and the Santiago Bernabéu also share characteristics, so the green is exactly the same in both venues, so it is not an excuse either. The International Board (IFAB) Laws of the Game establish that in international matches, the length must be between 100 and 110 meters, while the width must be between 54 and 75 meters. Namely, The outcome of the match can be due to many factors, but having played on a training ground is not one of them.