Barely a few weeks after players of Rayo Vallecano went on strike, citing poor pitches amongst its concerns, LaLiga felt a need to shift the match between Real Sociedad B and Málaga from Zubieta to Anoeta over maintenance issues. Meanwhile, prominent players are lamenting the pitch at the Metropolitano Stadium of Atletico Madrid too.
Players Koke and Antoine Griezmann have publicly criticised the pitch at the Metropolitano Stadium, emphasising that it can impact player performance and safety. Koke expressed frustration, stating, “The pitch is not good; we slide, and it falls apart. A team like Atletico needs a high-level pitch to play.” The complaints follow hot on the heels of a strike by Rayo Vallencano players about the condition of the facilities at their club.
The club had its pitch replaced in November following a training session by the Miami Dolphins American Football team in the stadium prior to their game against the Washington Commanders. The game itself was played at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
Recent weather patterns in Madrid, including rain, cold, and snow, have aggravated the fragility of the pitch at the Metropolitano Stadium. The ground has shown signs of wearing down, with some areas breaking apart. Experts estimate that ten continuous days of rainfall may lead to a heavier playing surface, which could hinder the flow of the game.
The grass’s condition has reportedly affected Atletico’s ability to maintain a quick pace in recent matches. Both teams will need to navigate these challenging circumstances during their upcoming confrontation.