According to ESPN, Real Madrid has asked UEFA for permission to close the roof of the Bernabeu stadium during their match against Man City in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals tomorrow morning (April 10).

After being upgraded, the Bernabeu can now retract the roof to create a closed stadium. Real Madrid believes that this will help create a better atmosphere in the clash with Man City, seeing this as a weapon to threaten the defending Champions League champions.

UEFA will make a final decision on the matter in its pre-match technical meeting, scheduled to take place earlier in the day. They will consult with Mr. Francois Letexier – the referee assigned to officiate this heroic performance – before responding to Real Madrid.

Last season, Man City drew 1-1 with Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals at the Bernabeu. Then, they crushed their opponents 4-0 in the rematch in Manchester.

Speaking to the press, coach Pep Guardiola affirmed that trying to restrain Real Madrid is not enough to help Man City win. He said: “We can’t come here just to control the game. We have to try to hurt them, punish them.

We have to let them know we are here to score goals. We have to impose our game and show who we are. We did it, and if we did it once, we can do it again.”

In addition, Pep also admitted that midfielder Jude Bellingham has turned Real Madrid into a more formidable opponent than the team they defeated last season. 

The Spanish strategist added: “Jude has had an incredible season in terms of goals, assists, presence in the box. Not only in Real Madrid but also in England. He played extremely well. It wasn’t just Jude’s skills but also what he did with his mind.”