Why is Real Madrid Not Playing at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium?

Sportsdunia Desk

Published - Apr 24, 2026, 12:55 PM

3 min

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Why is Real Madrid Not Playing at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium?

Summary

Spanish giants Real Madrid will not be playing at the iconic Santiago Bernabeu until April 30.
The stadium will be used as a clay court for training sessions of the Mutua Madrid Open, marking a new milestone for the iconic stadium in Madrid.
Los Blancos will return to play at their iconic home stadium when they take on Real Oviedo on May 15.

La Liga side Real Madrid will not be able to use their iconic home, Santiago Bernabeu, until April 30. The news was officially announced by the club in a press release on Thursday, 23rd April 2026, as it will serve as hosts for clay court training sessions of the Mutua Madrid Open.

The club is showcasing the multi-purpose functionality of a stadium, which underwent a €1.35 billion renovation with an aim to bring it into the 21st century. The home of Real Madrid has been transforming since 2019 into one of the world’s most advanced sports and entertainment stadiums.

Santiago Bernabeu was originally inaugurated in 1947 and named after club legend with the same name in 1955. As a venue, the iconic 84,000-seater has undergone multiple renovations over the decades.

Rafael Nadal, Jannik Sinner Rub Shoulders With Real Madrid Players

A special event was organized ahead of the Mutua Madrid Open clay court training session inside the stadium. Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal, who is also a lifelong Real Madrid fan, teamed up with Los Blancos goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois for a friendly tennis doubles game against reigning World No. 1 Jannik Sinner and midfielder Jude Bellingham.

The exhibition match involving these popular athletes drew a lot of eyeballs and attracted widespread attention online on social media. Even the Real Madrid president, Florentino Pérez, reportedly acted as chair umpire during the friendly.

When Will Real Madrid Play Again At The Santiago Bernabeu?

While fans will not be able to see Los Blancos in action at home in the remainder of April, the La Liga side is expected to return to playing at their iconic home when they face Real Oviedo in matchweek 36. Injuries to Arda Guler and Eder Militao have added to the existing injury problems faced by head coach Alvaro Arbeloa. The Spaniard is looking to mount an unlikely title charge this season against Barcelona, who lead the way with a comfortable 9-point cushion with six games remaining.