Only 1,800 travelling Liverpool supporters were lucky enough to receive tickets for March's Champions League clash at Real Madrid as part of a paltry allocation given to visitors in a ground that can hold up to 80,000 spectators. But as the action got underway, it was clear that not all of the Bernabeu's stands were in use.
At least two lower tier stands were made redundant from use with huge covers laid over the top of the seated areas, prompting observers to ask why the stands are still out of use. It was the same story on Tuesday, as Manchester City visited the La Liga giants.
The answer appears to be down to cutting edge technology being installed at the home of the reigning European Champions.
The Santiago Bernabeu has been undergoing a huge renovation project since 2020, improving the huge stadium in a variety of ways. According to Alley Sports, the lower tier seats remained covered thanks to significant work being undertaken to create a removable pitch.
Below the stand, an 'underground greenhouse' is being constructed where the retractable playing surfaced will be house while the stadium floor space is utilised for other large-scale events, such as pop concerts. In order to protect the retractable grass, lighting and irrigation systems have been installed on the lower level of the stadium.
The upgrade to a moving pitch as well as a new retractable roof will allow Madrid to hold a variety of events across the year, including performances, athletics meetings and conventions. There are even calls for the Bernabeu to be used to stage EuroLeague basketball matches for Madrid's own team.
Until the complicated infrastructure work is completed on Madrid's 'undergrown greenhouse', the lower tier seats will remain covered for the foreseeable future.
