THE WHITE COLOSSEUM
The Estadio Santiago Bernabeu has been one of the world's most iconic stadia since its opening in 1947. The stadium was first referred to as the Nuevo Estadio Chamartin and was inaugurated with a friendly match between Real Madrid and Portuguese side, Os Belenenses, that ended with a 3-1 win for Los Blancos.
The stadium was renamed in 1955 after former player, manager and club president, Santiago Bernabeu. It then went on to host many legendary matches, including the European Championship final in 1964, the 1982 World Cup final, as well as hosting numerous Champions League finals.
The last major modernisation of the ground started in the 1999/2000 season and saw upgrades to many of the facilities, including changes to the advertising boards, the sound system, changing rooms and the roof. The Bernabeu has also become the best-heated stadium in the world thanks to the installation of 1,300 heating devices. In 2007, UEFA included the Bernabeu in the Elite Stadiums category.
The works have also had an impact on the capacity, which is at 81,044 spectators (the second largest in Spain, just behind the Camp Nou). They have almost 6,000 more places than the 75,145 when the stadium first opened under the Nuevo Estadio Chamartin name.
REAL AT THE BERNABEU
Real Madrid, Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao are the only Spanish teams that have never dropped into the Second Division. Therefore, the Santiago Bernabeu, in its 70 years of existence, has always hosted Spanish top-tier football.
On 12 February 2012, Cristiano Ronaldo scored Real Madrid's 4,000th goal at home in all competitions (with number 4,001 belonging to current player, Karim Benzema). The Portuguese forward is also the top scorer in the club's history with 447 goals to his name.
JUVENTUS AT THE BERNABEU
Juventus have played away to Real Madrid eight times so far, and each time it has been a tight encounter. The Bianconeri have yet to score more than two goals at the Bernabeu, which they will need to do in order to progress on Wednesday night.
The first game between the two sides took place in 1962 and ended with a 0-1 Bianconeri victory with Omar Sivori grabbing the important goal. In 1986, 1996, 2003 and 2005 Juve suffered four consecutive losses on Spanish soil (all 1-0 except in 2003, which ended 2-1 with David Trezeguet scoring the vital away goal).
Juve were able to put an end to the run of defeats in 2008 when they triumphed 0-2 as Alessandro Del Piero scored a stunning brace. It still remains an incredible moment, as Del Piero received a standing ovation from the Santiago Bernabeu faithful when he was substituted off the pitch.
In 2013, Real won again with a double by Ronaldo, whilst Fernando Llorente netted a consolation for Juventus. The last encounter in 2015 is a sweet memory for the Bianconeri, as a 1-1 draw courtesy of Alvaro Morata cancelling out Ronaldo's earlier penalty, sent Juventus to the Champions League final in Berlin.
KEY NUMBERS
- Opened: 1947
- First match: Real Madrid 3-1 Os Belenenses
- Capacity: 81,044 spectators with 245 VIP boxes
- Stadium lighting: 1,800 lighting points
- Bernabeu Stadium Tour: includes one of the most visited museums in the city of Madrid, with over two million visitors a year.
- Cost of the last modernisation (1999-2006): € 127 million