Manuel Neuer stunned by new look Santiago Bernabeu: ‘It has something special’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu has always been known as one of football’s most iconic venues, but its recent redevelopment has taken its reputation to another level. 

Players, coaches, and pundits across Europe have spoken about the stadium’s transformation, and the latest voice to join that list is Bayern Munich and Germany legend Manuel Neuer.

The experienced goalkeeper is no stranger to the Bernabeu. Over the course of his career, he has visited the stadium four times with Bayern Munich, facing Real Madrid on some of the biggest nights in European football. 

Those experiences have given him a clear understanding of the pressure and atmosphere that define the famous ground.

Neuer has not enjoyed much success in Madrid. Out of his four visits, he has only managed to win once, and even that victory came in dramatic fashion. 

Bayern’s only triumph at the Bernabeu during his time came in 2012, when the German side advanced after a penalty shootout. 

On that night, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, and Sergio Ramos all missed their spot kicks, allowing Bayern to progress. Apart from that occasion, the stadium has mostly been an unhappy place for the goalkeeper.

Nothing but praise for the Bernabeu

Santiago Bernabeu is the pinnacle of modern design. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

His most recent appearance at the Bernabeu came during the 2023–2024 season, when Bayern faced Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals. 

Before that match, Neuer attended the pre-game press conference and was asked about his feelings towards the stadium, especially after its modern renovation.

“The stadium is imposing, it was before, but the screens around the stadium, everything, it has something special, historic. 

“There’s no other stadium in Europe as imposing to play in,” Neuer asserted, as quoted by Defensa Central.

Having experienced the venue both before and after its redevelopment, his words carry weight. 

The Bernabeu has always had a reputation for big European nights, but the new design, technology, and atmosphere have only strengthened that image.