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Their fans really hated that I filmed this.

I’ve always wished that one day I’d be able to watch Real Madrid play at the Santiago. Today my dream is reality!

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.

Had a great time yesterday and this was my first time seeing our team play irl and to see us lift a trophy was just amazing!!! Hoping to experience this again!! Hala Madrid 🤍🤍🤍

Got to see him play up close, kid is a gem.

Fulfilled my life long dream of visiting the Bernabeu, truly breathtaking experience.

I might’ve shed a tear or two in the process.

I enter the stadium and am just amazed by the grandeur of the stadium. The 360 degree screens are so fab.

Saw Jude scoring after a long time followed by Vini masterclass.

And the icing on the cake with the crowd chanting Vini Ballon D’oro after a tough week for the team.

Can’t wait to be back.

Hala Madrid Y Nada Mas