Real Madrid boosted as UEFA allow key Bernabeu change ahead of Arsenal showdown | OneFootball

Spanish giants hope atmosphere will be boosted in bid to spark special Champions League comeback against the Gunners

Roof closed: UEFA have granted permission for the Bernabeu roof to be shut on Wednesday night

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Real Madrid have been granted permission to close the Bernabeu roof as they seek to inspire a Champions League miracle against Arsenal on Wednesday night.

A retractable roof was added to the iconic Madrid stadium during its recent £1.5billion revamp and the Spanish giants have sought permission from Uefa to have it closed for Wednesday evening’s contest in a bid to boost the atmosphere.

A number of similar requests have been approved in recent times, including for last season’s quarter-final tie against Manchester City.

The two sides drew 3-3 that night, with Madrid eventually advancing to the semi-finals after a penalty shootout in the Etihad Stadium return, before going on to claim a 15th Champions League success.

Uefa have now confirmed that Madrid will again be allowed to close their roof as Carlo Ancelotti’s side seek to add to their repertoire of European comebacks.

Los Blancos, the most successful side in Champions League history, memorably scored twice in stoppage time to sink City in the semi-final of the 2022 edition, though they have never previously recovered from 3-0 down at the midway stage of a tie.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are yet to concede a goal against Madrid in three Champions League meetings, having won 1-0 on aggregate when the sides met in the last 16 in 2006. That triumph included a famous win in the Bernabeu forged by Thierry Henry’s solo goal.