Real Madrid’s new Santiago Bernabéu surface set for test

Carlo Ancelotti had to play a large part of his career as a footballer on pitches that were muddy and uneven. Yesterday, the Italian tactician went to the Santiago Bernabéu stadium in Madrid to analyze the conservation of the Madrid turf in the hypogeum, the underground chamber where Real Madrid will collect its grass whenever it sees fit so that it can host events of all kinds at the Bernabéu.

The grass is divided into six elongated sheets and is stored one on top of the other with sufficient separation so that it can be treated with hydration, light and at the right temperature to keep it in the best condition. Ancelotti was able to see the process of removing the turf slabs from the hypogeum to the pitch, a process that takes around six hours (one per slab), although the established protocol dictates that they are always removed at least 24 hours before a match is due to take place.

Preparing for Real Sociedad

The Bernabéu’s new turf was on display in the match against Getafe in the last round of LaLiga and it was possible to appreciate the great state it is in, although the acid test will take place this Sunday against Real Sociedad. Then supporters will see how well the Madrid stadium looks with Ancelotti’s men aiming to get another three points.

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Madrid and Ancelotti hoping for positive changes

The Bernabéu’s surface was one of Real Madrid’s headaches last season. It had to be changed four times, so there were five different pitches with grass from two different areas (Monfragüe National Park, in Extremadura, and Arévalo, in Ávila).

None of the solutions worked, the pitch contained muddy areas and in general, it was a very uneven pitch that made it difficult for Madrid to play on. Ancelotti acknowledged the problem, although he played it down and hoped that, with the work being done inside the stadium, it would finally be resolved.