The curious story behind Real Madrid and this Manchester hotel

Real Madrid’s trips to Manchester – like the one this week – now come with an unexpected piece of club folklore. Since 2024, the Spanish giants have stayed at the five-star Lowry Hotel in Salford rather than the establishments they previously used for Champions League visits to the Etihad.

Some fans have suggested the switch was meant to shake off the team’s poor run of results in the stadium. Inside the club, however, the explanation is far more practical. The choice, they insist, was based on logistics and comfort, offering the squad a quieter base and easier travel arrangements around the city.

Still, the move has coincided with a small shift in fortune. Since relocating to the hotel, Madrid have recorded a draw and a win at the Etihad. The building itself also carries a notable football connection. During his time managing Manchester United, José Mourinho lived there for two and a half years, spending 895 nights in one of its riverside suites while working in the city.

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