Inside Real Madrid’s £1billion Santiago Bernabeu renovation

Jude Bellingham’s late goal ensured the renovated Santiago Bernabeu was christened with a win at the weekend after Real Madrid splashed £1billion on improvements

Real Madrid claimed victory in their first game back at the Santiago Bernabeu after its £1billion renovation.

Work started on the iconic stadium all the way back in 2019, with Los Blancos temporarily having to move their home games to the 6,000-seater Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano at their training complex in 2021.

They moved back in when it was safe to do so but work continued over the summer, with Carlo Ancelotti’s side playing their first three games of the new La Liga season on their travels as a result.

Saturday (September 2) saw them make a triumphant return against Getafe, with England star Jude Bellingham scoring his fifth goal in four games in the 95th minute to snatch a 2-1 victory.

Before the game their social media team posted a video featuring drone footage from in and around the new and improved Bernabeu, which is still have the finishing touches applied.

That meant they had to digitally impose the new hospitality terrace located at the very top of the ground, which also has stunning views overlooking the city.

They were able to show off the new retractable roof, however, which was given its debut closing for the game, and the also retractable pitch which has six underground levels.

Ancelotti was suitably impressed with the work, telling reporters post-match: “It’s a spectacular atmosphere, there’s something new.

“I think the fans pushed a lot today, it’s a much more enclosed atmosphere. You can feel that the fans pushed — it’s going to be a very important help and it was today.”

And so was match-winner Bellingham. Speaking to Real Madrid TV, he said: “It’s the loudest moment I’ve heard in a stadium. Happy it was for my goal. When they were singing ‘Hey Jude’ at the end, I got goosebumps.

“I just wanted to stand still and listen to them. My legs were shaking. I know I was brought in for these kind of moments, they’re the kind of moments I know I can deliver for this team.”

Real president Florentino Perez wanted to bring the club up-to-date with their European rivals. He previously labelled it “the best stadium in the world”.

“The new stadium will continue to be the setting that generates the emotions which will leave their mark on Real Madrid’s future,” Perez vowed.

“It’ll be the best stadium in the world in which to see us once again recognised at the end of the century as the best club of the 21st century. It’ll offer a new stadium, heritage and be a new source of pride for our members and fans.”