Real Madrid Club de Futbol
UEFA Champions League round of 16
Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
Wednesday February 13, 19:45 UK time, 20:45 local time
Tickets
United have got 3,800 tickets at £62.50 in the upper section of the away end, £70.50 in the lower section of the away end and £157 in a separate ‘VIP’ area.
These are all sold.
By now, anyone who got a ticket through United should have filled in a travel report on United’s website.
United will post vouchers to everyone with tickets and a letter explaining where the ticket collection point will be in Madrid.
In Madrid, you must take the voucher and your passport to the collection point during the stated opening hours to collect your ticket.
Thomas Cook Sport vouchers do not have to do this.
They will get their tickets in transit.
Hundreds of others bought tickets in the Real Madrid end at various points around the stadium.
In the last fortnight, Real Madrid ticket office staff have been attempting to make contact with anyone who bought tickets from an English IP address.
They have been obliging these people to move seats to a different block (around blocks 607) close to the United away end and offering the appropriate refunds.
These blocks will essentially be an extension of the away end.
We advise anyone who has been contacted by Madrid to follow their instructions for ticket collection and for those who believe they are to be contacted to be patient as Madrid have to contact many people.
Weather
From the airport
Note – we conducted a poll to see where people were flying into and the vast majority of people are flying into Madrid Airport.
If you require any particular information about getting from any airport, email us at redsaway:@hotmail.co.uk
The airport is eight miles north east of Madrid city centre.
We recommend the easiest way of travelling anywhere into town is by Metro.
From any terminal, it is about a 10-minute walk through indoor corridors to the airport’s Metro Station.
Madrid Metro
Here is the map,
Due to a recently introduced fare system, it can be complicated buying a ticket as the price varies depending on whether you plan to travel for under or over five journeys each time.
The easiest thing is to buy a 10-day ticket.
You can buy single-trip tickets for e2 (or e3 if your journey is to and from the airport) or a ten-trip ticket for e13.
The airport is at the top of the pink line (line 
and the line runs south as far as Nuevos Ministerios, where you can change for two other lines, which will help you get towards your hotel.
The Metro is the best way to get around Madrid and it is generally very safe, though be wary of pickpockets and beggars (no moreso than you would be in any other major city though).
City navigation
Generally, the city centres around Sol.
It’s almost like the Piccadilly Gardens of Madrid, where protests are held and people gather to put the world to rights.
A couple of Irish pubs and clubs are nearby and there’s a cake shop on the corner of the square near the Metro entrance selling the best cakes ever.
Ticket collection point
Read here for more.
To the stadium
Again, by far the easiest way to reach the stadium is by Metro, as the stadium has its own Metro stop, called Santiago Bernabeu, which is on the blue line (line 10).
If you’re travelling from Sol – near the ticket-collection point, take the light-blue line (line 1) north to Plaza de Castilla and then take the blue line (line 10) one stop south.
The stadium is right by the Metro exit and there are usual stalls selling scarves, burgers and drinks.
On the day of the match
You will need to have picked up your ticket by 19:00 to ensure you reach get to the stadium and get in in time for the 20:45 kick off – don’t leave it late.
It is notoriously time consuming for away fans to get into the stadium….this is because Real Madrid rarely have large groups of away fans for any game, so police create a fuss when they do.
If you aim to get to your seat 45 minutes before kick off, you should definitely get there by kick off.
The Foreign Office estimates reds will be kept in the stadium for up to 30 minutes after the game.
Inside the ground, we recommend that you stick to the tier block that your ticket states to avoid congestion in the lower tier.
Bar guide
If you’re into your history, check out Casa Labra in Calle de Tetuan near Sol Metro station.
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| Casa Labra |
This is the bar where, in 1879, a secret meeting took place which founded the Spanish Socialist Party.
Piro Baroja wrote about it in his novel La Busca
Near the ground, our recommended option is The Irish Rover, which is a 10-minute walk to the stadium.
It has big screens, a food menu and there are discounts at the bar for reds showing their season tickets and membership cards.
This is an ideal meeting point for before and after the match.
In town, there are some decent Irish bars near the ticket-collection point where you can meet friends.
Just round the corner from Sol Station in Calle de Espoz y Mina is O’Connell’s, which shows all the live football and is open daily from 11:00 to 03:00.
There’s a food menu and a wide range of beers and spirits. A bucket of beer costs 312, shots cost e1.50, and nachos and a bucket of beer costs e14.50.
Plus, it’s happy hour all day on Wednesdays.
If you’re single Monday and Tuesday nights are for you as there’s a chance to talk to fellow customers speaking different languages from 23:00.
Right next door is The Dubliners Pub, which offers more or less the same things as O’Connells.
It’s big and has a good party atmosphere…it would be a perfect meeting point the night before the game.
Another recommendation is The James Joyce pub in Calle de Alcala – halfway between Sol and the Prado Art Gallery.
Again, it shows all the football and has a decent food menu. We would recommend it if you want a meeting place that isn’t as central (and therefore likely to be as crowded) as the two pubs in Sol.
Other things to see and do
Plaza Mayor
This is one of Madrid’s most historic squares, dating back to the 16th century. It’s hosted executions, partie, bullfights and shopping.
Today it houses the Tourist Information Office, Sunday morning tabletop sales and cafes with street entertainers.
One bonus is that there’s a decent Irish pub at the entrance to the square, called Moore’s, which has a pub quiz on Monday nights and shows all the football on TV. It also serves food.
The square is a five-minute walk from Sol.
Palace
You can’t visit Madrid without seeing the Royal Palace (Palacio Real) which is right by Opera Metro station.
The palace itself is as grand as you expect but there’s also a maze and the Royal gardens too.
This part of town is largely pedestrianised and tends to be quiet, which is great if you’re nursing a hangover or want a quiet pint away from the hustle and bustle.
Atletico Madrid stadium tour
For e10, you can pay to tour the Estadio Vincente Calderon, a 55,000-capacity beast of a stadium to the south of the city.
For the ticket price, you also get access to Athletico’s museum, which contains replicas of all their trophies, memorabilia from the club’s 110 years of history.
The guided stadium tours start at 13:00 and 17:30 daily and you get to go pitchside, into the changing rooms, press room and the director’s seat. It’s well worth it.
To get there, go to the Piramides Metro station and walk down Paseo de las Acacias.
Turn right at the roundabout and you’ll see the stadium ahead.
Prado Art Gallery
If you’re into art, you can’t come to this amazing city and pass up the Prada, which showcases some of the best art ever made, by the likes of de Goya, Rubens and Titian.
Even if you’re not that into art, you’ll still enjoy the massive murals on the walls.
Other matches
Monday February 11 – Liverpool v West Brom
Tuesday February 12 – Celtic v Juventues and Valencia v Paris Saint Germain
Wednesday February 13 – Shakhtar Donetsk v Borussia Dortmund
Champions League magazine
For the first time this season, the magazine comes out before each round of fixtures so it is up to date and acts as a programme for all games.
Quite appropriately, the next edition features an interview with Cristiana Ronaldo. Let’s hope he has a quiet round…
It’s on sale now in all good newsagents at £2.99.
Useful information
To call a UK number from abroad – whether it be from a mobile or a local phone – you must either take away the first 0 and replace it with 44 (e.g 44161 123 1234)
Vodafone allows you to pay £3 a day to stay on your UK price plan, including data – so if you have unlimited internet data at home, you would get it abroad.
In an emergency which requires consular assistance, call The British Consulate on 00 34 902 109 356.
The consulate is at Torre Espacio, Paseo de la Castellana 239D, 28046 Madrid and is open on weekdays from 08:30 to 13:30.
In an emergency call police, fire or ambulance on 112.
The main police station is at Luna 29 near the Calla Metro Station.
The main hospital is at Plaza Condre del Valle de Duchil 16
The main tourist information centre is at Plaza Mayor (see above) and it’s open from 09:30 to 20:30 daily.
For anyone staying in the Puerta del Sol area, there is an Express Bus from the airport, stopping at Plaza de Cibeles (10-15 minutes walk to Puerta del Sol).
40 minutes and runs every 15 minutes. Tickets cost 5 euros each, and can be purchased on the bus.
http://www.esmadrid.com/en/barajas-airport-express
Well done admins and Thnaks KMK i was going to get the metro but the bus seems to be better for me
Thank you for the time and effort put into this guide, its much appreciated.
Cannot wait for this trip!
United fans will be advised to go one stop further past the Bernabeu stop on the metro, as this avoids the ultras and their bars south of the ground and also stops nearer the away end.
Ive not seen the literature alongside the vouchers yet to see if this is mentioned, but this was advice given to City and Spurs fans.
oli, We have been told in the letter with voucher to avoid the south area of the ground night of the match! looking forwars to this one
Travelling on my own for this one.
What are the best bars to hit on the day of the game if your travelling on your own?
Ta
Are there clubs that open during the week or just weekend?
Fantastic advise on this site can’t wait now to fly over on Monday staying in Sol area sounds as though we will have 10,000 reds over there #redsontour
My flight arrives just before midnight in Madrid anyone know if the tram is still running at that hour?
Why don’t you google it.??
Hi Martin metro runs until 01.30 you will be fine
If Madrid don’t make contact about moving ticket in the home end is it worth contacting them or just sitting where it is?
Oli, on getting to the stadium the Utd letter just states the Santiago Bernabeau metro stop (although does mention avoiding the south side of the stadium).
For those with flags, the specific guidance from Madrid states a limit of 1mx2m. I normally ignore that sort of stuff but listening to those who’ve been before they are pretty zealous on searches, rules etc. so might not be worth the risk of losing a flag (mine far exceeds the limit).
Indeed Anthony. A quick search shows Madrid metro runs until 1.30am.
Tommy, I don’t know of any large city where there is only nightlife at the weekends.
Thanks Shane
Guys iv just realised I’ve only got 5months 3weeks from date of travel left on my passport! Will this be an issue?!?
Good update as per usual ! Cheers
The metro stop you’re referring to is called “Cuzco”, get off there and it’s an easy downhill walk to the stadium. I’ve been to the Bernabeu before and it’s definitely recommended for away fans
The Bernabeu Metro stop surfaces in a big car park / road. You’ll be fine along there.
Let’s hope for a classic on Wednesday.
Another good guide, Vitty, thanks. Will be doing the Atlético tour as I’ve seen the Bernabéu before. Getting in Tuesday afternoon via Milan, myself.
Sounds like there will be plenty of us there though so let’s hope for a top trip and result. Come on Reds.
Ash Atletico play Rubin kazan the night after, ticket prices start at 25 euro. I am thinking of going myself.
Why would it be an issue Kev, mine passport expires on the 31st of March, I will renew it after the Madrid trip
kev,why would that be a problem.. you’re travelling to spain
kev thats fine mate ,
OMG – can someone have a word with Vitty please?
When I first mentioned Irish Bars in Madrid in a thread a few weeks ago, some nob-jockey piped up with;
“Makes me laugh when we play in Europe, and in some fantastic cities, and everyone wants to know where the best Irish bar is. I suppose the same people will want to know how much a big mac is too?”
Even Oli chipped in with;
“Zenith, I totally agree with you, but it is also up to everyone to enjoy the trip as they see fit and not for the likes of you (or me) to tell reds how they should spend their time in Madrid. i cannot think of anything worse than going to Madrid to just find an Irish bar and pretend I am at home, but you and I are in the minority given how many do, and doesn’t bother me that others want to enjoy their trip that way.”
Now here we have Vitty recommending FOUR of the dreadful places in one single article. OMG – this forum is descending into chaos. Next thing you’ll be advocating not wearing a tie to the game!!
OMG Gunther!! I think you will find what Oli said was supportive of what you are basically saying. Each to there own etc. The only one slagging it off was the class clown Tufty. Do what you want, Madrid is a big place you shouldnt need an internet guide of where to drink!
Kev,
Its when you travel out of the EU your passport must have atleast 6 months left. You wont have any issues.
FIVE actually – and thanks btw Vitty – excellent info as ever
RE Shane:
My flag is 10ft x 5ft (3 metres x 1.5 metres). Do you think I will get away with that? Haven’t found any specific ground regulations on flag size anywhere myself.
Cheers Jack – but I think “Zenith, I totally agree with you…” is a bit of a give away.
You’re dead right though, plenty of good places to sample – something for everyone and I’m looking forward to a great trip
Gunther, the BUT is also quite important. And the four lines below that. I’m sure you’re intelligent enough to work out that I had two messages in my post. 1) I have no interest in Irish bars 2) I don’t expect others to plan their trip based on what I like, and each to their own.
Not sure what you’re banging on about, but I’m allowed my own view of bars, and I’m not telling anyone else what they can like, so not really sure what your issue is.
Vitty perfectly entitled to post Irish bars, and you – or anyone else for that matter – can go to them or not as you wish.
Mountain molehill / storm teacup expressions come to mind.
Dave i had an email from tcs saying i needed a minimum of 6months on my passport & like you i thought im only going to spain!!!! but since iv’e spoke to them and i wont be a problem. cheers
Chris – GMP sent me some info from Madrid about flag sizes…let me find it.
Here we go:
a. Banners and flags that are brought inside the stadium must be authorized by the security staff upon entering. They could never exceed 2mx1m and never should have symbols, allegories or any other kind of thing that could incite violence. Once insi¬de, they must be displayed where indicated and must never impair the visibility of other spectators .Banners will not be allowed to be held by rigid supports.
I went to Madrid on my stag do a couple of years ago and went to a club during the week called Indiependance in Sol. So if anyone is looking for a club and likes their Stone Roses, The Smiths etc then that’s the place for you!
Cheers Vitty.
Just a questioning whether its worth the risk at 3mx1.5m SEF seem to think it will be fine.
Chris, mine is 10ft x 5ft also. The guidance Vitty posted is in the sheet from Real that United included with the vouchers. I’d normally take no notice to be honest but not sure I will risk it this time when it will be prob stuck up at the back of tier 4 anyway. Given previous form with the away end at Madrid, I’d rather minimise the risk and hassle getting in. Will have it in town then prob drop it in my room for the game (cue me drunkenly staggering into the stewards with it draped on my back!)
That Indiependance is shut midweek from what I can see
Hi
For all those who like a bit of culture the Royal Palace is free to have a mosey round on a Wednesday (opens at 9.30)
So for those who fancy walking off a hangover and taking in some Spanish aristocrats at the same time away you go!
Remember we are not scouse so don’t go nicking the silverware
Oops maybe slightly wrong according to Internet it says free from 3pm while other sites say free all day!
Anyway just a bit of info, you can do what you want with it
Hello everybody,
After filling the online report, I have received an email from webmaster@manutd (like Im sure all of you have). There it doesnt say that I would need anything but my passport in order to collect my ticket. As this is my first away European night, I would like to ask you if the voucher is essential and obligatory to present? I am not in the UK anymore as I’m on business in Switzerland and going to Madrid directly from there. So there is no way I would be able to collect the voucher. Thank you in advance for your help everybody!
Regards,
T
Good info Matt, I’m guessing though that after 3pm on Wednesday we may all have other things on our mind and a few drinks in hand!
Ill be using my time wisely, having a few beers with my pals in a Spanish bar, I’m not going all the way to Spain to sit in a Irish bar. Each to their own though.
Have a safe trip all, I reckon come Thursday we will be nursing a hangover after a 1-0 win.
Here’s hoping.
T, the vouchers are posted out. If you haven’t received yours before travelling, contact the ticket office so they can note that for when you go to collect in Madrid.
Can t wait to get fully charged…
Apparently according to the Spanish paper Marca Rooney is coming along with 5000 of his hooligan pals. We fly out tomorrow morning for a couple of days. Looking forward to it. Everyone going have a great time.
“Stoking the fires ahead of the round of 16, first leg showdown, the newspaper Marca features the Manchester United striker on their front page today, alongside a headline warning that ‘The Bad Boy’ is coming with his 5,000 pals.
Calling the England striker a ‘football player and a hooligan all rolled into one’, the paper says there is no distinction between Rooney and the 5,000 United fans expected to be in the ground tomorrow night.”
Apart from £200 grand a week.
That doesn’t bode well for a peaceful entry in/out of the stadium. Similar story last time we played there.
I expect we might be kept in for a while after the game tomorrow night.
Also, I suspect there’s quite a few more than 5,000 going.
Leaving in the early hours of tomorrow morning. Question is, do I risk taking my flag!? 3mX2.5m. they won’t confiscated it surely?