Real Madrid able to host 50,000 fans for Bernabeu return

Real Madrid have permission from Spain’s Ministry of Health to host close to 50,000 fans at the Bernabeu for their next La Liga game against Celta Vigo on 12 September.

Real have not played a home game in front of fans since March 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic. They have also not played at the Bernabeu in that time, opting instead to play at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano at their training centre ever since.

The Alfredo Di Stefano is usually the home of Real Madrid Castilla, but basing the first-team there has also allowed the renovation project at the Bernabeu to continue.

That project is still ongoing, but it does not prohibit fans being in the stadium and Spanish media reports explain that the country’s new rules that will be in force throughout September permit 60% of full capacity at outdoor venues. Indoor venues, such as those used for basketball, will run at 40%.

That means close to two thirds of the Bernabeu’s usual 81,000 capacity could attend the Celta clash after the September international break.

Real have so far played all three of their opening La Liga fixtures of the season on the road. Los Blancos, now back under the control of head coach Carlo Ancelotti, comfortably beat Alaves on matchday one, before drawing 3-3 with Levante and then winning 1-0 against Real Betis.

As things stand, Real sit top of La Liga by virtue of scoring more goals than anyone else – eight in three games – with Sevilla, Valencia, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Mallorca all also on seven points.

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