The bizarre reason Real Madrid supporters face being locked out of next month’s El Clasico
Season ticket holders in designated fans' areas must watch Fuenlabrada cup tie if they want to see Barca showdown
REAL MADRID supporters bizarrely face being barred from next month's El Clasico if they don't get to Tuesday night's Copa del Rey date with Fuenlabrada.
Los Blancos already hold a 2-0 first leg lead over the Segunda Division B side and Real chiefs fear a half-empty Bernabeu for the return game.
Because of that they have warned have issued a warning to their four largest supporters groups - the Primavera Blanca, La Clasica, Veterans RMCF and North Fans RMCF.
Basically, if they don't attend the Fuenlabrada game they will be banned from the showdown with Barcelona on December 23.
A statement read: "By the choice of the club, we have expressly communicated to all fan groups that voluntary cession of your ticket for this match will result in the compulsory cession of your ticket for the Real Madrid-Barcelona match on December 23."
Season ticket holders in the designated fans' section are encouraged to pass on their tickets if they can't make it.
Real chiefs want a full and noisy stadium when they play Barcelona
But Spanish news outlet claim this isn't possible for cup ties.
So, in a nutshell, Real fans must attend the Fuenlabrada game unless they want to risk being banned from El Clasico.
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Barcelona currently top La Liga and are eight points ahead of their rivals.
Real desperately need to beat them and obviously want as much vocal support as possible.
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So the European champions have taken what appears to be a drastic step to make sure they get it.
At least it looks as though they'll get a sight of Gareth Bale returning to the team against Fuenlabrada after a calf injury.
Said head coach Zinedine Zidane: "The idea is that he's available and can play.
"The way that the game is going will guide our decision. I don't know exactly how long he'll play."