Real Madrid forced to water Bernabéu pitch by Atlético Madrid

Spanish football programme El Chiringuito caught a conversation between Atlético de Madrid fitness trainer 'El Profe' Ortega and Real Madrid groundsman Paul Burgess about the dry pitch at the Santiago Bernabéu ahead of this evening's Champions League semi-final.

Atlético concern about dry Bernabéu pitch

When Atlético inspected the pitch on the eve of the game 'El Profe' Ortega remained outside and looked concerned about the playing surface. He was seen making his way towards Paul Burgess and asked: "Are you going to water the pitch?" to which Burgess replied: "Not today, no".

Ortega didn't give in there and called on Atlético director Andrea Berta to back him up as he put the matter to UEFA's match delegate. "We need to water the pitch with this heat".

In the end, Ortega got his wish and Real Madrid watered the pitch for Atlético's training session...