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Florentino Pérez, Real Madrid’s president, dined with his Atlético Madrid counterpart, Enrique Cerezo, on Wednesday — and the possibility of Los Blancos using the Wanda Metropolitano next season was among the topics discussed, according to Marca.
The new Santiago Bernabéu stadium is not yet ready, and will not be ready for the start of the 2021/22 campaign. Real Madrid played all their home games last season at Estadio Alfredo de Stefano, the club training ground in Valdebebas. However, the return of fans to the stands means Madrid will need a stadium that can ensure they don’t continue to lose matchday revenue.
The Spanish newspaper says Pérez does not want to lose out on the economic boost that will come with the return of between 20,000 and 30,000 fans when the new season kicks off in August.
Cerezo weighed in himself, proclaiming:
“Let nobody doubt that we would be willing to accommodate Real Madrid.”
| Florentino Perez spotted having dinner with Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo. #rmalive pic.twitter.com/rsQUyLkow6
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) June 9, 2021
Madrid are hoping to return to their newly-renovated stadium in either September or October, and might have to sacrifice home games at the start of next season to minimize disruption. By backloading the calendar with home games, Carlo Ancelotti’s men will be able to play as few games at the Wanda Metropolitano as possible.
If the October return date remains on track, Madrid could be back at their own stadium after the first seven weeks of league play. There will be two international breaks to start the season, along with two group games in the Champions League. One of those group games would be held in the Spanish capital.