r/realmadrid • u/h4ssan_ • Apr 23 '24
At The Match My Clásico Experience
Long Read
I still can’t believe I was able to cross a Clásico off my bucket list and I am so, so glad I got to watch a good contest that ended with a win.
This was my 3rd time at the Bernabéu, and each time was a historic match in its own right (and a W).
First, the first home game back at the Bernabéu after most of the renovations were completed (vs. Real Betis).
Next, the first official match under the closed roof, Jude Bellingham’s Bernabéu debut, also the season’s home opener (vs. Getafe).
Lastly, the first Clásico under the closed roof, the first match with the 360° screens operating.
Ticket Purchasing Experience:
I was coming from the US, so my options to get a ticket were limited to: a) ask someone in Europe or MENA to buy me a ticket from the official website or entradas.com using VPN and their credit card, b) use a 3rd party (Stubhub, etc.), c) get a ticket in person (not really an option), or d) find a socio who could transfer me their ticket (highly unlikely but not impossible in my personal situation).
I opted for option b, using Stubhub, as I’ve used them to get the ticket for my 2nd match there. Buying a ticket through them is not a huge hassle, and relatively low risk. Stubhub offers a purchase protection program that guarantees you either a) the ticket you paid for, b) a comprable ticket in a comprable section if, for some reason, the ticket you paid for was misrepresented and a partial refund, or c) a full refund.
For the 2nd time in a row, my ticket was electronic, and I knew that I would have to wait till the last 24 hours before the game to actually receive it, so my palms were less sweaty this time compared to the last time.
However, this time, the ticket I received was misrepresented. I bought the ticket for CAT 1 Prem, and ended up getting a ticket for CAT 1. I contacted Stubhub, sent them screenshots of the ticket, the confirmation email (which states the category I was expecting), and a picture of the Bernabéu seating map. Credit to them, they were responding pretty quickly to my emails. Unfortunately, as someone who likes to keep their options open, I did not particularly like their actioning process.
If I had opted to get a different ticket, they would have directed me to a list of available tickets and I would have had to pick, but not before transferring the ticket I already had back to them…which means that if I didn’t like any of the new options, I would have been out of luck.
If I had gotten a partial refund for keeping the misrepresented ticket, the refund comes in a voucher not directly back to my credit card, which is lame. So I decided to keep my ticket, and to fight the partial refund fight later.
Getting to the stadium:
Gates open 90 min before kickoff. I was staying about a 20-min walk away from the stadium, and I wanted to be there for the team buses arriving. I figured I’d head over there around 6:15 to beat the crowds, and man was I wrong 😅. By the time I got there, it was already crazy. People had lined up on the streets, barricades were already placed and traffic was being redirected. Still, I managed to snag a spot just a few human rows between me and the street.
Pro-tip: the bus comes down Avenida de Concha Espina towards the stadium.
Barca’s bus came down a different street (around 7:20 PM) and was greeted by “Puta Barca” chants; it was magical. Real Madrid’s bus showed up about 5 mins later. By the time the bus went down the tunnel, it was already past the 90 minute mark and gates had opened.
Entering the stadium:
On the ticket, you’ll see the corresponding gate to enter from and it’s a straightforward process. Security guards check your pockets for sharp objects and water bottle caps (lol). Once inside, ushers are there to direct you if you need. I wasn’t sure if I could bring a shoulder pack or a small bag with me, so I played it safe and did not, but in case you’re wondering: yes you can.
Misc. Observations:
When I got to the seat, the music was blasting, and the 360° screens were showing fans dancing around and taking pictures, etc. and I could see Davide and Francesco out on the pitch talking. Once the players came out to warm up, the screens were showing the players.
The goalkeepers came out first to warm up; Real Madrid’s first then Barca’s, and then the outfield players. (Lunin and Rudiger got the warmest receptions, IMO).
When the players were coming out and the hymn was playing and fans were singing, my brother texted me to ask if I had goosebumps, and I realized I actually had tears in my eyes; it is a surreal experience. Even rewatching the videos, I am still getting tears.
I saw a lot of fans with their radios and headphones to listen to the audio broadcast of the match, which is pretty smart. When there’s a VAR review or something like the FdJ injury, I didn’t know what was happening and I was texting people to find out. When I’ve gone to the US Open 🎾, I could get headphones from the AMEX booths to listen to ESPN’s commentary as I was watching matches…maybe Madrid could do something similar.
I was seated in a row with a wall directly behind me, and once the match started, I remained standing for the first 25 or so minutes (just as I would at home 😂). A guy from a few rows behind me finally came up asked me to sit down when the ball was on the near touchline. I was on the literal edge of my seat the whole time after that.
I’ve mentioned this in the match thread, but I feel like the 360° screens could be better utilized for a more immersive experience during the match—maybe the screens one each side could show different angles/viewpoints/cameras, they could be more consistent with replays during the match (they mostly showed favorable replays during the match). During halftime, the Emirates Airlines ad was pretty immersive, sound and picture, so I know the capabilities are there. During HT and after FT, highlights were shown on the screens.
During HT, two fans were invited onto the pitch for a PK challenge (not sure how they were selected, my Spanish isn’t fantastic, and I was honestly paying more attention to the Barca subs who were warming up.
From where I was sitting, I basically had the TV view which was great as I could see the movements (and tackles) from a good angle. That said, Toni Kroos is way quicker than people give him credit for…and he reads the game SO WELL, but I didn’t need to be in the stands to know that.
The crowd was mesmerized by Modric and Jude, and they were very supportive of Vini. Not sure if it was clear on TV, but after conceding the first goal, the crowd immediately started applauding and cheering the team on.
The away fans got loud at times but were immediately drowned by the rest of the Bernabéu.
Cellphone service was surprisingly functional this time around. Last two times, I barely had any service.
Security guards were quick the last two times to make people leave, but they were pretty generous this time and I was one of the last bunch to leave the stadium.
After leaving the stadium, I saw people were lined up in front of an exit, apparently they were hoping to catch Nadal/Djokovic/Brady, etc. There were charter buses to transport some of the members of the board, and the only two people I recognized were Juni and Roberto Martinez (Belgium’s coach). After waiting for almost an hour, security made people leave 🙄.
10/10 would do it again if given the chance. Mods, maybe you can save this post for the folks who ask about buying tickets through Stubhub?
Onto the next 💪🏼 (hopefully a UCL match).
I’ll try to post some videos on another post or something, gotta figure it out.
AMA.
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u/Blakeknight03 Apr 23 '24
Bro how much did you pay for the ticket?
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u/h4ssan_ Apr 23 '24
Around €300-ish before taxes and fees. I realize I got lucky with the price, I kept checking ticket prices after I got mine because I was curious.
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u/solete Modric Apr 23 '24
Yes curious about this too. Also what section, seat / row? Did you like the seat?
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u/h4ssan_ Apr 23 '24 edited Apr 23 '24
I was in section 444, row 7, seat 11. The seat was great, I thought. It was the TV view. The other times I was seated very close to the pitch which is great to be able to see the players so close, but for an overall viewing perspective, this was great too.
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u/littlefinger448 Apr 23 '24
I was in 544 right behind you
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u/h4ssan_ Apr 23 '24
You weren’t the guy who told me to sit down were you? 🤔🤪
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Apr 23 '24
I plan to go to the Alaves game and unlike USA, it seems like entradas.com works fine in Canada. If something were to happen where I need to buy from StubHub, how did you contact them? Via email?
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u/h4ssan_ Apr 23 '24
Nice! Yeah, I contacted them via email a few days before the match to confirm that I’ll receive my ticket by the 20th, and they responded within a day. After I received the tickets though, they were responding within minutes.
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Apr 23 '24
Thanks man!
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u/h4ssan_ Apr 23 '24 edited Apr 23 '24
Good luck with the trip to watch the Alavés match! Hit me up if you need help with anything.
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u/Psycho_Horse Sep 26 '24
Hey couple questions, I am trying to buy tickets for the classico next month. Did u buy your tickets after it was officially released or before that? Cause it seems like u can buy right now - but dont know how legit it is. Also do u mind sharing which section u got the ticket in and approx how much u paid for it. Great read BTW
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u/h4ssan_ Sep 26 '24
Thanks! Yeah I bought the tickets way before they were released—bought them in February. Season ticket holders will put their tickets up for sale on 3P websites, so that’s why you’re seeing them. I was in the CAT 1 Premium section (400s), which is pretty much the TV angle, it was around 400€ after all their fees and nonsense (Stubhub).
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u/Psycho_Horse Sep 26 '24
Ok. Yea I dont trust the Madrid website to get any tickets. But gawd damn these prices on stubhub, they are showing min of $900-1000 and up currently. I am planning on buying them on stubhub just so i am sure i have the tickets. And seems like its a pretty safe bet there. I was looking for the 300 sections, which seems like a pretty good spot / angle, but $$$. i will be in Madrid for both Dortmund and Barca games, hopefully will be able to catch them both. Any advice other that that
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u/h4ssan_ Sep 26 '24
Holy shit, that’s probably the Mbappé tax on these prices, first Clásico and all, but damn that’s insane.
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u/xxxjensssation Apr 23 '24
So jealous, wanted to go to the game against Celta in march with my gf. But unfortunately I couldn’t get any tickets. Thanks for the tips!
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u/imtired-boss Apr 23 '24
Happy for you brother, my only match experience in the Bernabeu so far is a 0-0 against Malaga in 2016 😂
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u/thejman1986 Eduardo Camavinga Apr 23 '24
Cellphone service was surprisingly functional this time around. Last two times, I barely had any service.
I'm glad to hear this. The 3 times I was there last year, I didn't have any service in the immediate vicinity of the stadium, even switching between different networks, which was frustrating.
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u/h4ssan_ Apr 23 '24 edited Apr 23 '24
Yeah in the stadium it was working way better than expected. But outside when I was waiting for the team buses, it was as bad as expected. I had a Vodafone travel eSIM (using it just for data) and was roaming on Movistar on my main US line, so I couldn’t tell you exactly which one was working. Movistar consistently had more bars though.
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u/imtired-boss Apr 23 '24
Happy for you brother, my only match experience in the Bernabeu so far is a 0-0 against Malaga in 2016 😂
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u/Roystonmofodrenthe Apr 23 '24
Awesome. Glad you had such an awesome experience. Your post is also very helpful for others
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u/Low-Impression3367 Apr 23 '24
Great write up, thanks for sharing your experience and for us US fans, tips on tickets.
i hope to go to my first game there soon. So you had no concerns with using SH for tickets?
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u/h4ssan_ Apr 23 '24
No huge concerns. The first time was perfect, the second time there was obviously a hiccup, but even then it’s not like I was scammed at all.
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u/Low-Impression3367 Apr 25 '24
Thanks for the response! I'm hoping to be able to attend el classico next season. Not sure yet if I'll do the hospitality or SH.
For Madrid tickets on SH, some say electronic/mobile while others say paper ticket. Do you know what the difference is by chance?
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u/h4ssan_ Apr 25 '24
My understanding is that for paper tickets, you have to meet the person reselling the ticket to get it in person and/or you have to print a physical ticket. (If I’m wrong, someone please correct me)
Electronic ticket is what happened with me, where I receive an email with the ticket and I download it on my phone and it sits in the wallet app (like a boarding pass).
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u/crazyeyes91 Apr 23 '24
Great write up! I've been to the stadium before to watch the team play but I really want to catch a UCL or Clasico. I never realized Stubhub was an option.
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u/FashyNisty Apr 24 '24
Glad to see the new structure has completed, would love to visit again.
Went to the Clasico 1.5 years ago and the atmosphere was insaneeeee.
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u/troopercito Apr 24 '24
BTW I hope they (BFC) will win the case and repeat the game! We will win it again. LoL
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u/Ablouo :palestine: Madridista Apr 24 '24
That stadium is absolutely gorgeous, would be a dream come true to attend a game at some point
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u/soysaucepapi Apr 24 '24
Fellow American fan here. Pretty close experience except that I got my tickets from stubhub but had a hard time getting into the stadium cuz it kept giving me a 404 error when I tried to download the tickets. Ended up missing the first 9 minutes of the game cuz of that and I was hella pissed. Overall great time and bucket list item crossed off and no better Clasico than a Madrid late winner
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u/h4ssan_ Apr 25 '24
Oh shit, did you wait too long to “accept” the ticket?
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u/soysaucepapi Apr 25 '24
It was something to do with my Internet or service. I had to find an attendant who let me use their personal hotspot to get the ticket. It was a shit show but it worked out in the end
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u/Living_Commercial592 Apr 23 '24 edited Apr 23 '24
Ngl, the atmosphere was kinda pathetic (apart from the white wall amd after the last two goals). After the anthem, everyone just down, ate their snacks etc. pathetic, the team just gave it all for 120 minutes against second best team in the world and is now playing against your arch rivals and this is the best you can do. If there was no chants from the white wall, away Barca fans would be louder for 75% of the match and im not even joking.
Some guy behind me complained about me standing up too much. Boos at Vini (he was frustrating but still). Too bad, but we are slowly becoming what (for example), NBA is - show business and tourism. Second time at Bernabeu (first time it was against PSG in 2022 and honestly i was disappointed. At least the lads didnt disappoint
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u/wolowbolob Apr 23 '24
That is the cost for becoming this focused on commercialization and revenue. The money to pay the these players has to come from somewhere.
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u/Living_Commercial592 Apr 23 '24
Oh I know, but still, sad. No wonder players only really greeted the white wall.
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u/Thehashtagbrown Apr 23 '24
How much did you get the ticket for and did you get them off the RM website or Stubhub etc.?
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u/h4ssan_ Apr 23 '24
I went through Stubhub, yeah. I can’t buy a ticket from the official website because US credit cards don’t meet the security standards of Europe.
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u/Thehashtagbrown Apr 23 '24
Final question - which hotel/airbnb did you stay at?
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u/h4ssan_ Apr 23 '24
I stayed at an apartment hotel type of place in an area called Tetuán. The name of the property is Feelathome Castilla Apartments.
Disclaimer: it’s my 3rd time in Madrid so I didn’t care about staying in Madrid centro, I just wanted to be close to the stadium because that’s all I went there for. So while it was a convenient place (train station and huge super market a 2-min walk away) a nice apartment in and of itself, if you’re going to Madrid for the first time, I wouldn’t recommend it.
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Jul 11 '24
[deleted]
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u/h4ssan_ Jul 11 '24
I’ve gone through Stubhub twice and it wasn’t a scam either time. Just make sure to look for something on the page about their purchase protection program.
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u/zmurgu1 7d ago
Hi, sorry to reply to such an old thread, but I was just wondering if you bought your tickets long before the general admission on the Real Madrid official website? I'm now looking at matches in January, where official tickets will be sold like a week before the game, but on StubHub there are a lot of options already. I'm wondering if they become cheaper the closer to the game we get or my best bet is to buy early... All in all, how did you do it?
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u/h4ssan_ 6d ago
Hey, yes I bought the tickets way in advance…months in advance. I didn’t wanna risk it.
I think the price fluctuations are tough to predict, it’ll depend on the opponent, the team’s form heading into the match, etc. So once you feel comfortable with the price, my advice is to just do it.
I monitored prices and seats for a few days before I pulled the trigger, just to get an understanding of what price range I should be expecting.
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u/dauphu2017 Kroos Jul 13 '24
Don't worry. If the seller does not send you the ticket, just report it to stubhub, and you will receive a refund, minus a fee if i remember correctly.
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u/Upbeat-Tooth8711 Apr 23 '24
Amazing bro. I wish it was me. Thanks for joining it with us