Real Madrid restrict space for Atlético fans at the Bernabéu

The derby is always the most special game for the fans of Atlético Madrid and this time is no different. The upcoming clash in the Copa del Rey against their noisy neighbours Real Madrid has sparked positive expectations among the rojiblanco fans, as Diego Simeone’s team, already out of Europen competition, eyes some domestic silverware. However, despite the passionate fanbase, Cholo’s men will not have the support they have done in previous rounds. The problem is the quota of seats that Los Blanocs have made available.

Bernabéu limits Atlético presence

Enrique Cerezo’s club has only 334 tickets to distribute for the cup Derbi, something that has not gone down well among the Atlético community. Not only is the tie a one-legged affair, those that do cross town and pay the 70 euros for a ticket will be sat in the fourth tier, some distance from the action.

Atlético have asked for more tickets, but as it stands, the hosts are not budging. Los Blancos are under no obligation to grant more tickets as there are no regulations in either the league or the Copa. In Europe it is different, with Champions League clubs, for example, required to give up five percent of their capacity to visiting fans. Given construction work limiting this, to give you an idea, 5% of 80,000 is still an allocation of 4,000 seats.

The belief at the Cívitas Metropolitano club is that this is not fair. In this single-match format, Real Madrid have the competitive advantage of playing the match in its own stadium (luck of the draw, most would argue) and the revenue from a clash of its great rival, a match marked in red on the calendar of both clubs.

Atleti have been well supported in the four cup matches played so far. Against Almazán, Arenteiro, Oviedo and Levante, the rojiblancos have felt the warmth of the fans. El Derbi will be on a whole new level.