The Bernabéu is currently passing one of the construction milestones that will, in a few months, transform it into the most cutting-edge sporting venue in the entire world. The installation of the retractable roof, one of the key components that will enable the stadium to be used for commercial purposes 365 days a year, started on Friday.

The first of the twelve trusses that will form the new Bernabéu's roof is already "hanging" from the sky of the white enclosure. The stadium can be completely closed in just 15 minutes with the help of the retractable cover, which is constructed from cutting-edge materials used in the aerospace sector.

The works are moving forward quickly by taking advantage of the World Cup break. From the outside, it appears that the upper portion of the roof that protects the stands is nearly finished, and on the side facing Paseo de la Castellana, the skin slats that will wrap the entire enclosure have started to take shape.

Inside work is also progressing. The underground car park is taking shape and several actions are also being carried out in the stands. Work is being done against the clock to fit out the new stands that will be in the upper part of the east side (the one facing Padre Damián street) and work is also underway to remodel the accesses to other sectors of the stands.

The World Cup and the calendar that Real Madrid has after the break has made it possible to work without interruption for almost 80 days. The last game was played on November 10 against Cádiz and Ancelotti's team has no home game scheduled until Real Sociedad's visit to the Bernabéu on the weekend of January 28-29. Only a hypothetical games of the round of 16 (January 18) and/or quarterfinals (January 25) in the Cup can bring forward the return of Real Madrid to their stadium. Meanwhile, the works continue to shape the Bernabéu of the 21st century...