El Clasico, Real Madrid vs Barcelona: All You Need to Know about the New-Looked Santiago Bernabeu

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The Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, since its first game in 1947, has been a central figure in sports, notably for LaLiga and the city of Madrid.

Real Madrid are set to take on Barcelona on Sunday (April 21) at the Bernabeu for a LALIGA El Clasico match, which is set to be an important encounter. With Real already leading the LALIGA table by 8 points from Barcelona, they would be aiming to keep the gap with their rivals. The Catalans, on the other hand, would be desperate to bridge the gap with three points.

El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu

It's a venue steeped in history, having been the battleground for El Clasico 101 times, witnessing 51 wins for Real Madrid, 28 for FC Barcelona, and 22 draws. The stadium has also been the site for momentous occasions such as Real Madrid's Champions League triumphs, the 1982 World Cup final, and the 2018 Copa Libertadores final.

Recently, it has seen an extensive makeover, revolutionizing both its interior and exterior. Here is how the Santiago Bernabeu looks after its transformation-

A Transformative Upgrade

Since 2019, the Santiago Bernabeu has undergone significant renovations to elevate its status. The upgrades include new fixed and retractable roofs, the latter of which can open or close in just 15 minutes, a 360º video scoreboard, and an addition of 3,000 seats.

The exterior now boasts a stainless-steel facade capable of displaying dynamic images and lighting effects. Internally, the pitch can now be retracted, stored 30 meters underground in a space doubling as a greenhouse, ensuring the grass remains in prime condition. The renovation also introduced two new towers, expanded pedestrian areas, a 360º terrace offering panoramic views, a VIP zone with dining options, and enhanced retail spaces and museum areas.

Beyond Football

The revamped Santiago Bernabeu is set to extend its legacy beyond football. It aims to generate additional revenue for Real Madrid by hosting diverse events throughout the year. Notably, international music sensations Taylor Swift and Karol G are scheduled to perform in May and July, respectively.

Moreover, a major highlight is the confirmation of an NFL game to be held in 2025. These advancements signal the Santiago Bernabéu's evolution into a global sports and entertainment icon.

But as the two teams set foot on Sunday, it will be all about football and the unequivocal support for Los Blancos is surely set to play a massive part in the flag end of this season and beyond.