Real Madrid are preparing to replace the Santiago Bernabeu pitch once again, despite finally resolving the grass-related problems that have troubled the stadium in recent years.
According to MARCA, the club are delighted with the current playing surface and believe they have found a successful solution to their long-standing maintenance difficulties.
However, the upcoming NFL game will force Madrid to install a new pitch.
NFL preparations will begin after Leipzig clash
The Santiago Bernabeu is scheduled to host an NFL game between the Atlanta Falcons and Cincinnati Bengals on 8 November.
Preparations will begin on 21 October, immediately after Real Madrid’s Champions League meeting with RB Leipzig.
The stadium will undergo several modifications to accommodate American football, including adjustments to the playing surface and the addition of yard markings and end zones.
Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu pitch has been in perfect condition. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
The physical demands of an NFL game make preserving the existing grass particularly difficult. Heavy contact, sudden changes of direction and repeated pressure on the surface are expected to cause significant damage.
Consequently, Madrid have already planned a complete replacement following the event. The subsequent international break provides a useful window to carry out the work.
That match is also expected to mark Vinicius Junior’s return following his four-match La Liga suspension.
Madrid have finally solved their grass problems
The timing is particularly frustrating because the Bernabeu’s playing surface is currently in excellent condition.
Madrid have spent considerable time addressing issues associated with maintaining natural grass in their renovated stadium.
Having finally achieved the desired results, the club must now begin another replacement process for reasons unrelated to football.
There has also been speculation that the grass and retractable pitch were contributing to Madrid’s injury problems.
However, no proof has emerged to establish a link between the playing surface and those injuries.
A necessary compromise for the new Bernabeu
This situation highlights the challenges of operating the Bernabeu as a multipurpose stadium.
Real Madrid are facing the challenges of making Bernabeu a multipurpose stadium. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Hosting major international events is central to Madrid’s strategy of generating revenue beyond traditional matchdays.
The NFL fixture represents another opportunity to strengthen the stadium’s commercial appeal and international profile.
However, the football team must remain the priority. A high-quality surface is essential once Mourinho’s side return after the international break.
Replacing grass that is already in perfect condition might appear wasteful, but protecting the quality of the pitch after an NFL event is a sensible precaution.
It remains to be seen whether Madrid can mitigate the risks involved in replacing the grass and how the surface looks against Celta.