Real Madrid granted huge special request for Arsenal Champions League clash

UEFA are allowing Real Madrid to close the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium roof for their Champions League quarter-final second leg against Arsenal.

Madrid hopes the enclosed home atmosphere will aid them in staging a remarkable comeback after their 3-0 first-leg loss at the Emirates Stadium.

Champions League regulations differ from those in La Liga, where clubs decide whether to keep their stadium's roof open or closed. UEFA 's explicit permission is necessary to do so in European competitions.

They have agreed to Madrid's request to shut their retractable roof. The rule is that the roof cannot open or close once the match starts.

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SportBible reports that UEFA has confirmed the approval of Madrid's request. It is not a one-off for the Spanish club, either.

During last season's successful Champions League campaign, they played several matches with their roof closed. Carlo Ancelotti highlighted the acoustic benefits of playing with a closed roof previously.

Madrid played in an enclosed Bernabeu during their semi-final home leg against Bayern Munich last year, among other ocassions, where two late goals from Joselu dramatically turned the game around.

Ancelotti commented on the impact of the closed roof, saying: "Acoustically, it's different; there's more noise, a much better atmosphere, I think. That can encourage the team to be even more motivated."

Madrid have lost just once at the Bernabeu during this season's Champions League. Milan won 3-1 during the league phase, with their former striker Alvaro Morata scoring.

They have, however, won both of their home knockout round ties this season. After winning 3-2 against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, they ran out 3-1 winners in the return leg thanks to a Kylian Mbappe hattrick.

Madrid also beat Atletico in their round of 16 first leg 2-1. That meant that despite losing the second leg 1-0, the tie went to extra-time and penalties, with them winning that shootout.

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UEFA Champions League
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