Atletico Madrid avoid partial stadium closure for Man City clash despite initial UEFA ruling

The LaLiga side were previously ordered to close at least 5,000 seats

Atletico Madrid will not be forced to close part of their stadium for Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg against Manchester City. Earlier this week, UEFA ordered the LaLiga side to remove at least 5,000 seats at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium, which came after "discriminatory behaviour" from Atletico fans during last week's first leg clash in Manchester. 

Why were Atletico charged?

UEFA released a statement last Friday confirming it had charged Atletico in relation to the incidents that occurred in the away section of the Etihad. European football's governing body stated that the Spanish side's punishment would entail a partial closure of their 68,456 capacity stadium. However, that punishment has since been suspended after a request to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The CAS approved the request for security reasons given the potentially "serious repercussions" of trying to exclude 5,000 ticket holders at incredibly short notice. https://twitter.com/atletienglish/status/1514193206681997315

Atletico announce 'all fans with a ticket' can attend

Atletico released a statement announcing that "all members and fans with a season ticket or seat" could attend the Champions League quarter-final tie.  The initial ruling from UEFA included a requirement for the LaLiga club to display a banner reading '#NoToRacism'. However, it remains unclear whether that has also been overturned. Atletico face a one-goal deficit after losing the first leg courtesy of a Kevin De Bruyne goal, and will have to venture out of their own half at some point if they are to make it through to the semi-finals. Rúben Dias is expected to return to the City squad after missing the past few matches through injury.

Related links:

• UEFA order Atletico Madrid to remove 5,000 seats for Man City clash
• Pep Guardiola used Man City balls boys to stop Atletico Madrid time wasting
• Pep Guardiola left stunned after Fernandinho reveals he’s leaving Man City in press conference