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      Tamworth boss reveals BEER is the secret weapon behind incredible FA Cup run as The Lambs eye Tottenham scalp

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      ANDY PEAKS will never forget his first match in charge of Tamworth.Instead of battling for points in a relegation dogfight, he was sinking PINTS with his Lambs squad after a trip to Leiston was postponed.Boss Andy Peaks and keeper Jasbir Singh celebrate beating BurtonCredit: GettySinking League One Burton has set up Tamworth’s biggest ever gameCredit: GettyBut Tamworth’s boss believes that boozy afternoon session in Suffolk was the springboard for their incredible turnaround in recent years.After beating the drop in 2021-22, Peaks led the Staffordshire minnows from the Southern Premier League to the National League with  stunning back-to-back title wins.Now, as the lowest-ranked team left in the FA Cup, the part-time manager is relishing a showdown with Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham on Sunday.It is without doubt the biggest game in Tamworth’s 92-year history.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYet Peaks doubts they would have made it this far without that afternoon on the lash on his first full day in his new job.He revealed: “I’d just agreed to join Tamworth from Rushden & Diamonds and I took in  our first training session on Thursday night.“I could see we had some good players but I sensed there was a divide in the squad and I thought, ‘I’m not having that’.“We turned up in Suffolk for my first game against Leiston and discovered the pitch was waterlogged and the game was called off.Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“But Leiston had put on some food for us so I said to the lads, ‘Right, we’re going to have an hour in the bar and get to know each other’.”I had a gut feeling that the players never socialised together. One or two of them even said, ‘I’ve got to get home to the missus and the kids’.Spurs starlet forced to retire aged just 23 and more than two years after horror injury that ‘ultimately ruined career’“But I told them, ‘If we’d played the game, you’d be playing until 5pm and wouldn’t get home until 8.30pm. This way you’ll be home by 5.30pm!’“So that was effectively my second session with the team — an hour or so in the bar.“We had some food and some beers and everybody mingled.“Afterwards on the team bus, some of the lads were saying, ‘I haven’t really spoken to Jas [goalkeeper Jas Singh] before and didn’t realise he was a building surveyor’, stuff like that. “Before that it had just been a job to them and they came to the club, got changed, trained and went home.“I’m a great believer that if you have got friends beside you, you’ll try that bit harder for them. From that day on it just clicked.”Peaks became Tamworth manager in February 2022 with the club fighting relegation but kicked off  with a 6-0 win against Barwell.That sparked a 13-game unbeaten run until the end of the season.The 54-year-old added: “We trained again during the week and then we had a big, convincing win and we went on from there.“It’s easier to bond after a big win and the players think, ‘This guy must know what he’s on about’.Peaks says the Lambs will be ‘horrible and nasty’ against SpursCredit: PA“Success breeds success and we went on a bit of a run after that, the fans started turning up and everyone was happy.“I tried to bring the club together more, with no grievances and a lot of togetherness. Players used to rock up five minutes before training.“Now they turn up half an hour before because they enjoy each other’s company and have a laugh.“If not, we’d definitely be bottom of the league.”Instead, Tamworth are 16th in National League, seven points above the relegation zone.But it is Tottenham’s visit to The Lamb Ground in the third round  that has Peaks’ full attention now.He said: “We will give them the respect they deserve as a Premier League giant and Champions League-level club.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But when the game starts we’ll be horrible and nasty and in their faces because it’s the only way we can be to stand any chance.“Hopefully, they have a few players who don’t fancy it and we have 11 players who play out of their skin.” More

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      Wayne Rooney tipped for Man Utd job he would be ‘absolutely brilliant at’ after Plymouth exit

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      WAYNE Rooney has been told he would be “absolutely brilliant” in a coaching role at Manchester United.It comes just seven days after he left Championship side Plymouth Argyle by mutual agreement after seven months in charge.Wayne Rooney has been told he would be ‘absolutely brilliant’ in a coaching role at his former club Man UtdRooney, 39, won just four of his 23 league games in charge of the Pilgrims and left with Plymouth sitting rock bottom of the Championship.Six defeats and three draws since November put the final nail in Rooney’s coffin as his latest management tenure fell apart quickly.But former Old Trafford team-mate Wes Brown has urged Rooney to return to Carrington.Ex-defender Brown believes Wazza would be “absolutely brilliant” helping those back in their old stomping ground.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBrown, 45, told The Sports Daily: “If Wayne wanted to spend time as a striking coach he would be absolutely brilliant at it.”He was one of the best goalscorers we’ve ever seen and was a top playmaker as well.”If he wanted to do that he would be very good on movement and things like that, he was one of the best to do it. “Could he help Rasmus Hojlund at Manchester United? I think all young strikers would love to listen to Wayne and his knowledge.Most read in FootballFormer Old Trafford team-mate Wes Brown has urged Rooney to return to CarringtonFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”When I was a young player I remember getting a few tips from Laurent Blanc and the little things like that can really help. “If Wayne was on hand to give out some advice [at United] I’m sure everyone would be willing to listen.”Luke Littlers’ brilliant reaction to hearing he won £500k after thrashing Van Gerwen in PDC World Championship finalWes Brown and Rooney watched Man Utd win the FA Cup against Man City last MayGoals are hard to come for United, who languish down in 13th in the Prem as they endured their worst-ever start to a campaign.But the Red Devils showed promising signs on Sunday as they held Prem leaders and arch-rivals Liverpool to a 2-2 draw at Anfield.And new boss Ruben Amorim has already assembled his own coaching staff to help him solve the chaos in M16.Former United captain Rooney spent a similarly disastrous 84 day spell in charge of Birmingham City before his stint at Plymouth.At the start of his coaching career, Rooney managed Derby County as well as MLS side DC United.He entered the world of management after a sensational playing career that saw him lift five Premier League titles.Rooney also added the 2008 Champions League to his 16 major trophies. He is widely regarded one of the Prem’s greatest ever players.READ MORE SUN STORIESWazza is still United’s all-time record goalscorer and also held the record for England before Harry Kane surpassed his tally in 2023.He is unlikely to secure an immediate return to management and has already been offered the chance to return to TV screens in a punditry role.Wayne Rooney’s record-breaking careerWAYNE Rooney took the football world by storm when he made his debut for 2002 with Everton.He quickly became the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer aged 16 years and 342 days and was named the BBC’s Young Sports Personality of the Year.The striker joined Manchester United in 2004 and spent 13 years at Old Trafford. He went on to make 559 appearances for the Red Devils and scored 253 goals. To this day he is still the club’s all-time leading goalscorer.Following his spell with United, Rooney returned to Everton for a season. He also spent one-season stints with D.C. United and Derby County at the end of his career.As well as his impressive club career, Rooney is also England’s second-highest goalscorer with 53 goals in 120 appearances, behind only Harry Kane.After hanging up his boots, the England icon turned to a career in management.He took charge of Derby County in 2020 and managed to just about save the club from relegation from the Championship at the end of his first season.However, with Derby handed a 21-point deduction the following campaign, he was unable to keep them up again and subsequently left.Then came a 15-month spell in charge of MLS side D.C. United. He failed to impress during his time in Washington and parted ways with the club at the end of the 2023 regular season.Rooney was controversially handed the Birmingham job in October 2023, replacing John Eustace with the club doing well and sixth in the Championship table.However, in 15 games he suffered nine defeats and managed just two wins. He was sacked in January 2024 with Birmingham down in 20th. The club were relegated to League One at the end of the campaign.He returned to management in May with Plymouth Argyle but managed just five wins in 25 games. The United legend now finds himself out of work once again. More

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      Who is Arsenal vs Newcastle referee John Brooks and how will in-stadium VAR announcements work?

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      ARSENAL welcome Premier League rivals Newcastle United to the Emirates for the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final TONIGHT.The Gunners will be looking to go into February’s return leg in the North East with a healthy advantage.Arsenal and Newcastle go head-to-head in the Carabao Cup semi-finalCredit: GettyBut the Magpies arrive in the capital on a superb run of form after six straight wins in all competitions.Toon boss Eddie Howe will know the huge opportunity his side has to end Newcastle’s near 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy this season.Mikel Arteta will see the competition as an opportunity to add to his slim trophy cabinet from his Arsenal tenure.The Gunners have been one of the best teams in Europe under the Spaniard, but they have won just the 2020 FA Cup since he arrived in North London.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHistory will be made during tonight’s blockbuster Carabao Cup semi-final between Arsenal and Newcastle, with VAR trialling in-stadium announcements this evening.How will in-stadium VAR announcements work?VAR has not been in use for any Carabao Cup matches this season.However, it will feature in this week’s semi-finals – and for the first time in the English domestic game, in-stadium VAR announcements will be trialled.This means the crowd inside the stadium and fans watching at home on the TV will be able to hear referees announce final decisions after they have been advised to go to the pitchside monitor.Most read in FootballThat said, it will not be the case for decisions made not using the monitor.A referee announcing decisions to the crowd isn’t totally new to the world of football, as it was trialled at the Women’s World Cup in 2023.But it has never been in operation during an English football match until this week.A statement from the PGMOL, the referees’ body, said: “Referees will announce the final decision following a visit to the VAR pitchside monitor or upon the conclusion of factual matters, such as accidental handball by a goalscorer or offside offences where the attacker touches the ball.”The referee who will take charge of the historic match at the Emirates is John Brooks.Who is referee John Brooks?John Brooks will referee tonight’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg between Arsenal and Newcastle.Brooks is a football referee from the UK, who has risen up the ranks at a relatively young age.He was born in 1990, and is from Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire.Brooks began refereeing in 2004, and the majority of matches he has officiated in his career have been in the Championship.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe officiated his first Premier League game in December 2021, with Brooks in charge of Wolves vs Burnley at Molineux.He has been in charge of 54 top-flight games, with nine coming this season. More

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      Casemiro ‘willing to leave Man Utd this month’ with Saudi club offering £650k-a-week transfer

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      MANCHESTER UNITED star Casemiro could leave this month after being offered a whopping £650,000-a-week deal by a major Saudi club.United landed the midfielder from Real Madrid in 2022 following a staggering £70million deal but he has had mixed fortunes since his move to the Premier League.Al-Nassr are offering Manchester United star Casemiro a £650,000-a-week dealCredit: GettyCasemiro has told Man Utd he is ready to leave the clubCredit: RexAccording to Give Me Sport, the 32-year-old has been offered a way out of Manchester that would see him becoming one of the top five highest earners in Saudi Arabia.Al-Nassr are keeping tabs on the Brazil international, who could reunite with fellow Real legend Cristiano Ronaldo if he moves to Riyadh.Casemiro has been attracting interest from the Middle Eastern nation for quite some time amid his uncertain future at Man Utd under manager Ruben Amorim.Al-Nassr’s interest is so intense that Saudi Pro League sporting director Michael Emenalo is driving the move himself.Read More on Man UtdHowever, there has been no contact between the Saudi outfit and United so far.The defensive midfielder has a contract with the Manchester giants until 2026.And according to The Times, he has informed his club he is ready to leave.And Amorim’s side is willing to sell with a significant price cut as they rate the ex-Real star at about £25m.Most read in FootballCasemiro appears likelier to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season.However, Al-Nassr want to fast-track things and seal a deal during the January transfer window.Gary Neville tells Jamie Carragher to ‘f off’ after Liverpool legend performs incredible U-turn on ‘selfish’ SalahCasemiro has struggled to impress this term despite amassing a total of 22 appearances across all competitions.United have been enduring a tumultuous campaign across all fronts as they have tumbled down to 13th place in the Premier League table. More

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      David Beckham reveals unlikely Man Utd idol and admits mum Sandra couldn’t get enough of his thighs

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      DAVID BECKHAM has revealed the highly contrasting reasons he and his mum idolized the same Manchester United legend.Becks as a kid had his eyes on his hero’s technique – while Sandra’s eyes were on the player’s thighs!David Beckham and mum Sandra, seen at Wimbledon last summer, both had their eyes fixed on the treats served up by a Man Utd legend in his pompCredit: GettyThe ex-England skipper “always waited outside” Old Trafford – to get the icon’s autograph.But when it came to watching on the pitch he regularly shared moments of awestruck wonder with his mum.The former Red Devils midfielder, 49, named ex-striker Mark Hughes as the object of his obsession.BBC Wales showed a clip of Becks as a wide-eyed child explaining to an interviewer: “I’m looking forward to seeing Mark Hughes and the stadium.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFast forward four decades, and the 49-year-old Inter Miami co-owner told the TV channel how his admiration for the Welshman, now 61, grew.Becks said: “I was always one of those little fans that used to wait outside and get Mark’s and all their autographs.”Mark did things that not many players can do.”The goalkeeper would kick it 50, 60, 70 yards up and it would just stop dead on those thighs of his.”Most read in FootballMark Hughes impressed Becks with his control and big-game scoringCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd it’s that memory that caused Beckham’s eyes to sparkle – as he a wider family interest in Hughes’ attributes sprung to his mind.The ex-Real Madrid star burst into a smile as he added: “My mum loved his thighs!”How Luke Littler celebrated incredible World Darts Championship win as he beams at message from hero David BeckhamFormer Barcelona and Chelsea ace Hughes spent 13 years with United over two spells, also playing for and managing his country.But his seventh and last stint so far as a club boss ended with Bradford sacking him in October 2023.However, Beckham is clear why Hughes was and still is an icon with United supporters.He said: “He was one of those players that always scored great goals in big games. That’s why Mark was so special. “There’s certain players that played for United over the years that set the tone of the club. We were able to learn from players like Mark.”In fact, the occasion Alex Ferguson first handed Becks the shirt number Hughes had worn remains an electric memory.The one-time PSG wideman said: “The boss turned round to me and he said, ‘Son you’re going to wear No 10 this year’. And I was like, ‘That’s Mark’s number!'”Becks spoke on Hughes for a BBC Wales ‘Legends of Welsh Sport’ showCredit: Getty More

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      How Elon Musk stacks up in the Premier League owners’ rich list as Tesla chief’s dad reveals he wants to buy Liverpool

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      ELON MUSK’S dad claims the eccentric billionaire is looking to buy Premier League leaders Liverpool.The South African tech genius has shown he has the golden touch when it comes to business.Tech billionaire Elon Musk is looking to buy Premier League leaders LiverpoolCredit: GettyDad Errol Musk claims his son could branch into football for his latest ventureCredit: AFPAnd Errol Musk claims his son could now branch out into football after helping Donald Trump soar to the American presidency.Should Musk take charge at Anfield, Liverpool certainly wouldn’t be short of cash.The Tesla entrepreneur and X owner is worth a staggering £339BILLION.But where would that figure put him in terms of wealth against the Premier League’s richest?READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd what does the current top 10 in England’s top flight look like?Here, SunSport lifts the lid on the league’s money men…Current Liverpool owner John Henry has just a fraction of Musk’s wealthCredit: PA10. Liverpool, John Henry: £4.2bnJohn W Henry is Liverpool’s current owner and heads up the Fenway Sports Group that runs the Merseyside club as well as the Boston Red Sox.Henry grew up as the son of soya bean farmers and used that expertise to get into business and went on to become a multi-billionaire.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSTodd Boehly is still yet to taste success at ChelseaCredit: Getty9. Chelsea, Todd Boehly: £5bnBoehly is the face of the new era at Stamford Bridge after fronting the £4.25bn takeover of Chelsea in May 2022.The American oversaw a staggering £1bn worth of spending in just three transfer windows in West London.Inside Elon Musk’s shock Liverpool takeover plot and how fans will be likely to reactJoe Lewis has been in the business world for yearsCredit: Getty8. Tottenham, Joe Lewis: £5bnJoe Lewis first got into business through helping at his dad’s London catering company before selling it off and delving into currency trading.He is now worth around £5bn and invests in many companies, including the ENIC Group, co-owned by Daniel Levy who is worth £500m, that has full possession of Spurs.Josh Harris has teams in many different sportsCredit: Alamy7. Crystal Palace, Josh Harris: £5.7bnHarris may only have 18 per cent of Crystal Palace but the American owner of Apollo Global Management is a big-time player.He has teams in the NBA, NHL and NFL on top of his involvement in a motorsport racing side.Nassef Sawiris has been at Aston Villa for seven yearsCredit: Getty Images – Getty6. Aston Villa, Nassef Sawiris: £5.8bnNassef Sawiris invested in Aston Villa in 2018 following their play-off defeat to Fulham.He is the youngest of Egyptian billionaire Onsi Sawiris’ three sons – with his dad launching the Orascom engineering and construction conglomerate.Shahid Khan and son Tony run the show at FulhamCredit: Getty5. Fulham, Shahid Khan: £9.7bnLike Kroenke, Shahid Khan has plenty of interest in American sports as the owner of NFL side Jacksonville Jaguars.He also co-owns All Elite Wrestling with son Tony.Stan Kroenke has been at Arsenal for many yearsCredit: Getty4. Arsenal, Stan Kroenke: £12bnWeighing in fourth is Arsenal boss Stan Kroenke at £12bn.The Gunners chief made his money through real estate development, particularly shopping centres and apartment buildings.Sheikh Mansour has helped City win plenty of trophiesCredit: Alamy3. Man City, Sheikh Mansour: £17bnSheikh Mansour purchased the club in September 2008 and has transformed them into a trophy-winning machine, culminating in the 2022-23 Treble.Mansour comes from the royal family in the United Arab Emirates and is both vice president and deputy prime minister of the gulf state.Sir Jim Ratcliffe is struggling to make Man Utd clickCredit: AFP2. Man Utd, Sir Jim Ratcliffe: £29.7bnSir Jim successfully obtained 25 per cent of Manchester United just over a year ago.The lifelong supporter made his billions through his petrochemicals company Ineos, which has delved into sport to buy stakes in Ligue 1 side Nice, Lausanne in Switzerland and F1 team Mercedes.Musk will be second on the list if he takes over at LiverpoolCredit: Getty2. Liverpool, Elon Musk: £339bnThe outspoken entrepreneur’s net worth fluctuates on the value of his companies Tesla and SpaceX but he’s currently the world’s richest man.He also owns Twitter and more recently has become a political player after cosying up to President elect Donald Trump.READ MORE SUN STORIESCrown Prince Mohammed bin Salman heads Saudi Arabia’s PIFCredit: AFP1. Newcastle, Saudi Arabia PIF: £538bnFar and away at the top of the pile is the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund.The PIF invests on behalf of the country’s government and therefore has astronomical cash reserves, with a latest estimate of around £538bn. More

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      Arsenal vs Newcastle live stream FREE: How to watch huge Carabao Cup semi-final first leg

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      ARSENAL and Newcastle are set to battle at the Emirates in the first leg of their thrilling Carabao Cup semi-final – and fans can watch it for FREE!The Gunners got off to the worst possible start in their quarter-final clash against Crystal Palace as they conceded inside the first four minutes.Gabriel Jesus’ hat-trick fired Arsenal into the semisCredit: APSandro Tonali bagged two against BrentfordCredit: GettyArsenal vs Newcastle LIVEHowever, Gabriel Jesus’ spectacular hat-trick fired Mikel Arteta’s men to a crucial comeback win, booking their spot in the last-4.As for Newcastle, their night was a lot more straight forward as Sandro Tonali’s double and Fabian Schar’s 69th minute strike helped the Toon brush Brentford aside.But Eddie Howe will expect a much tougher test in the first leg of this moutwatering Carabao Cup semi.Read more on ArsenalAnd SunSport can reveal how fans can watch the entire action for free below.How to watch Arsenal vs Newcastle for FREEArsenal’s thrilling Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle will be broadcast live for FREE on ITV 1 in the UK.Fans also have the option to stream the entire action for FREE on the ITV X app which is available to download via any compatible mobile device or tablet.Kick-off for the huge match is scheduled to get underway at 8pm GMT and the semi-final will take place on Tuesday, January 7.Who is playing in the other Carabao Cup semi-final?Tottenham are set to take on defending champions Liverpool in the other Carabao Cup semi-final.The first leg of this blockbuster tie is scheduled for Wednesday, January 8.Most read in FootballSpurs progressed to the semi-finals after beating Manchester United in a 4-3 thriller.While Liverpool escaped St Mary’s with a 2-1 victory.Carabao Cup full scheduleTuesday, January 7Arsenal vs Newcastle (1st leg)Wednesday, January 8Tottenham vs Liverpool (1st leg)Wednesday, February 5Newcastle vs Arsenal (2nd leg)READ MORE SUN STORIESThursday, February 6Liverpool vs Tottenham (2nd leg) More

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      Inside ‘insane’ £1.5bn Bernabeu renovation from hidden tunnels under stadium to setting FIRE to the old roof

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      THE “insane” £1.5billion Bernabeu renovation included a hidden network of underground tunnels and setting FIRE to the old roof.And the epic project even required a full year-long study of the sun to avoid blinding drivers.The new look Bernabeu is a thing of beautyCredit: Real MadridThe complex model is a first for football infrastructureCredit: Real MadridThe underground greenhouse features six levelsCredit: National GeographicThere was plenty of fire in the operation – from creating the steel facade to burning the old roofCredit: National Geographic/Josep SerraTunnels underneath the stadium allowed machinery to drive aroundCredit: National GeographicThe finished article has fans and players alike in aweCredit: GettyReal Madrid spent a fortune updating their iconic stadium, finally completing the work in 2024.Much has been made of the brand-new features such as the 360-degree LED scoreboard screen, the sleek steel facade and the flagship VIP hospitality suite, the SkyBar.The pitch has also been split into six panels which are split up and stored in an underground greenhouse hypogeum, only coming out for matchday, in one of the most advanced pieces of architecture in world football. Now, though, the reality of the sheer logistical ingenuity and complexity of the Bernabeu facelift has been revealed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA National Geographic documentary – Megastructures: Real Madrid Super Stadium – followed the mammoth project, which was ironically massively helped by the Covid pandemic. That is because Real Madrid were insistent that they would keep on playing at the Bernabeu for their domestic matches throughout the construction work.As a result, the pitch was out of bounds to protect the playing surface while all the heavy machinery had to be stored away to meet safety regulations with 80,000 fans in attendance – although the cranes made for surreal aerial viewing spots for a lucky few. So part of the early stages of the work involved digging tunnels beneath the stadium to allow the diggers to be stored and get to different areas of the site easily. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut the issue with needing to keep the pitch clear meant work on the roof was particularly tricky as the team had to avoid it at all costs – essentially operating like work on a bridge over water. One of the earliest stages of the renovation included dismantling the old partial roof to remove it and make way for the new state-of-the-art roof.Real Madrid release amazing time lapse footage of Bernabeu construction work as retractable roof is added And that involved setting sections ablaze in staggering scenes. Once the existing roof was completely removed, the delicate process of constructing a frame for the new roof took place.Incredibly, the modern retractable roof weighs the same as two Eiffel Towers.And there is even an inflatable pad within the machinery – carefully programmed alongside the rest of the aeronautical roof – which makes it fully waterproof. When the Covid pandemic worsened and Spain went into lockdown, the 2019-20 football season was put on pause.But for the workers, they got the green light to carry on – and carry on they did, with a non-stop day-and-night operation in full swing.The Bernabeu pitch is stored underground in six piecesCredit: National Geographic/Josep SerraThe Covid pandemic allowed the old pitch to become a building siteCredit: National Geographic/Josep SerraThe 360-degree LED screens are a wonderful additionCredit: National Geographic/Josep SerraThe hypogeum is 23m deepCredit: National Geographic/Josep SerraThe 13,200 slats were each manufactured uniquelyCredit: National Geographic/Josep SerraSome academy players had a kick about on the jigsaw-style pitch at the training groundCredit: National Geographic/Josep SerraAnd, crucially, no matches enabled them to rip up the luscious green pitch and convert it into a building site. That paved the way for work to begin on the revolutionary system, digging down a whopping 23 metres below the surface to create six levels in the ultimate game of underground football pitch Tetris. A replica pitch using the same technology had been designed at Los Blancos’ training ground using their custom agronomic laboratory to build the replicated ‘pieces’ structure, first tested out by several academy young stars.Real Madrid had two objectives: they wanted the very best turf in the world and they wanted to be able to store it away when not in use to make the Bernabeu into a money machine able to host events – such as Taylor Swift concerts – whenever there was no match.Simples. Or not. The finishing touches to the new version of the Bernabeu – ironically the first thing fans will notice arriving – came with the stunning exterior.A whopping 13,200 slats of uniquely-designed steel were all individually manufactured to create the striking appearance. But even the steel wraparound required detailed research lasting a full 365 days – aka a full orbit of the sun. Because the architects, designers and safety officers had to ensure it was safe.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe metallic exterior catches the sun and therefore they were required to make sure the positioning and intensity of the bright reflections would not get dangerously hot nor startle and blind drivers using the roads around the ground or get too hot.Make no mistake about it, the new Bernabeu is a piece of sheer design absurdity and creativity to utterly bonkers proportions – but would you expect anything less from Real Madrid Club de Futbol?The new roof structure weighs the same as two Eiffel TowersCredit: National Geographic/Josep SerraBeing unable to work on the pitch initially meant workers used bridge-building techniquesCredit: National GeographicThe operation was captured by National Geographic’s camerasCredit: National Geographic/Josep SerraThe entire project cost approximately £1.5billionCredit: National Geographic/Josep SerraThe major work was completed in 2024Credit: National GeographicTwo 500-ton sections of the mega-trusses had to be perfectly alignedCredit: National GeographicThe greenhouse creates the perfect environment for the grassCredit: National Geographic/Josep SerraSome workers were able to watch matches from cranes early onCredit: National Geographic/Josep SerraThe pitch only comes out on matchdaysCredit: National Geographic/Josep SerraWork continued through the night for several stagesCredit: National Geographic/Josep SerraThe facade exterior features a striking steel wraparound designCredit: National Geographic/Josep SerraThe cranes and machines had to be stored away while matches continuedCredit: National Geographic/Josep SerraA year-long sun study was required to ensure drivers would not be blindedCredit: Real MadridThe retractable roof is fully waterproof thanks to an inflating padCredit: Real MadridGroundstaff work on the pitch undergroundCredit: National GeographicThe aeronautically roof is precisely programmedCredit: National Geographic/Josep SerraA replica pitch was also created at the agronomy laboratory across townCredit: National Geographic/Josep SerraReal Madrid were insistent they wanted the very best turf in the worldCredit: National Geographic/Josep SerraThe Bernabeu played host to Taylor Swift during her Eras tourCredit: National Geographic/Josep Serra More