Iconic stadium unrecognisable as it opens it doors for first game since incredible £1BILLION renovation works

THE Santiago Bernabeu has finally re-opened its doors after a near £1BILLION renovation.

LaLiga big boys Real Madrid began renovating their iconic home back in 2019 with the aim of bringing it up to the standard of its modern rivals.

The pièce de résistance of the new and improved Bernabeu is undoubtedly its stunning and fully retractable roof.

A brand-spanking new terrace – which provides fans a stunning view of the pitch and incredible hospitality – has also been installed in the historic ground.

Real spared no expense with the upgrade, which also included a new pitch.

The Spanish giants shared footage of the stunning renovation with the world on social media before their clash with Getafe on Saturday.

The clips give an inside and outside birdseye view of the stadium and its stunning new terrace.

The Bernabeu’s renovations were due to have been completed LAST YEAR but went past their initial completion date.

Real opened the doors of their new-and-improved ground for their first home game of the season – a Madrid derby against Getafe.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti said: “It’s a spectacular atmosphere, there’s something new.

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“I think the fans pushed a lot today, it’s a much more enclosed atmosphere.

“You can feel that the fans pushed — it’s going to be a very important help and it was today.”

Real ran out 2-1 winners thanks to a stoppage-time winner from England midfielder Jude Bellingham.

Bellingham has made an incredible start to life in Madrid, scoring five goals and picking up one assist in four matches.

Ancelotti said of the 20-year-old: “I’m not surprised by Bellingham’s quality. What surprises me is that he has scored so many goals in the first few games.

“It’s quite surprising for everybody and for him. He’s a professional and he’s very serious.

“The professionalism of the squad is at a high level and he has the example there.

“He’s adapted very well and has gone on holiday with the rest of the young players. I think it’s all good.

“He can get to 15 goals because he did it with Dortmund.

“He excels without the ball and doesn’t give it away.

“He often gets into the box and breaks lines.

“He’s in almost constant attacking movement and that’s why he has scored all those goals.”