Real Madrid may feel that they need a few things to go on their way if they want to set up a comeback against Arsenal in the Champions League after losing 3-0 in the first stage
UEFA has allowed Real Madrid to close the roof of the Bernabeu for the second stage of their quarterfinals of the Champions League against Arsenal. Los Blancos has a shortage of three goals to make up for the Spanish capital and will want to trust the atmosphere of the home, while they strive to make a famous comeback.
The European rules are different from those in La Liga, where clubs determine whether a stadium roof remains open or closed. In the Champions League, the administrative body must offer explicit permission, and the retractable roof will be closed, and in both competitions the roof cannot be opened or closed after the competition has started.
According to Sportbible, UEFA has confirmed that Madrid's request has been granted. It is not the first time that the Spanish giants have approved such a request, with various games that are played under a closed roof during the Champions League run last season.
Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti spoke about the benefits of the option during last season's competition. The final champions played under a closed roof for the home leg of their semi -final with Bayern Munich – including games – where two late goals from Joselu saw them catch the victory out of the jaws of the defeat.
“Acoustic is different, there is more noise, a much better atmosphere, I think,” he said. “That can encourage the team to be even more motivated.”
Real Madrid has won one after all home games in the Champions League of this season. The only exception was a competition phase against AC Milan, when former Madrid striker Alvaro Morata helped to condemn his old club to a 3-1 loss.
Their play-off round against Manchester City saw the reigning champions at home and getting away, with Kylian Mbappe scored a hat trick in the home leg. The Ancelotti team also claimed a 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid in the round of 16, eventually predominant to punish after losing the second stage with 1-0.
However, the first stage of the quarterfinals was much more difficult. Two goals from Declan Rice and one from Mikel Merino left the 2024 Champions League winners with a mountain to climb to keep their dream of back-to-back titles alive.
Mbappe was sent away to Alaves during the weekend in a La Liga match. Eduardo Camavinga, who will miss the second stage against Arsenal after he was sent in North London, scored the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win.
“Both are difficult, but we're going to try,” said assistant Davide Ancelotti when asked if a comeback against Arsenal was easier than faltering in competition leaders Barcelona. “We have the confidence and quality to do it both in the Champions League and in the competition.
“We have to earn it, it's not enough to have the quality we have, we need a number of things to go well for us. Everyone is on board with what we are going to try”.
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