Real Madrid asks UEFA to move first Champions League match because of Madrid Grand Prix

Real Madrid has asked UEFA to consider moving the club's first match in the 2026–27 Champions League campaign away from the Santiago Bernabéu area because of the Madrid Grand Prix, organisers at the club confirmed on 27 August 2026.

The request follows concerns about the logistics and security arrangements around Valdebebas, where the club's training complex sits a few metres from the new Madring circuit. Even during Formula 3 running this week the sound of open‑wheel engines could be heard at first‑team sessions, prompting the club to plan ahead for the race weekend.

Real Madrid say the Grand Prix, scheduled for the weekend of 11–13 September, will attract thousands of visitors to the capital and is likely to produce heavy traffic, hotel pressure and additional mobility restrictions across the Chamartín district. The club is worried these factors could complicate the arrival of travelling football supporters and affect matchday operations.

What the club has asked UEFA

To limit clashes between motorsport fans and visiting football supporters, Real Madrid formally requested that UEFA allow them to play their opening Champions League fixture away from home. The club made the approach before the competition calendar is finalised; as of 27 August UEFA had not issued a response.

The first round of the Champions League is due to take place between 8 and 10 September, placing those matches squarely inside the week of the Grand Prix. The group stage draw was held on 27 August, when Real Madrid learned their eight opponents, and UEFA is expected to publish the complete match calendar — with dates and kick‑off times — two days later.

Separately, Real Madrid are scheduled to host Rayo Vallecano at the Bernabéu in LaLiga on the same weekend, a fixture from the fifth round of the domestic season. At present there are no plans to reschedule that league match.

Photo: press material from the event