The "first problem with the final" of the Champions League will be lodging, according to J. I. García-Ochoa of MARCA. Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid will compete in the final on May 24 in Lisbon, Portugal, "which can be traveled to in a short time from Madrid using plane, train or car." Since Tuesday night, "making reservations for hotel rooms during the weekend of the final (May 23-25) has already been nearly impossible." There are "practically no open rooms" and those available cost €1,600 ($2,220) -- "true madness." Ticket prices are "more affordable, but depending on category." The tickets cost from €70-€390 ($97-$540). Both teams will receive 17,000 tickets to distribute to their fans. The "most expensive seats almost all belong to UEFA, which will have a total of 24,000 for its partners and sponsors" (MARCA, 5/1). The EFE reported Spanish train operator Renfe will have additional trains and "will sell 2,000 extra tickets for the trip" between Madrid and Lisbon, which will be added to Renfe's "Trenhotel Lusitania" offer. This "will help fans make the trip both before and after the Champions League final" (EFE, 5/1).
MARÍN AVOIDED WATCHING: LIBERTAD DIGITAL reported because his "nerves do not allow it," Atlético CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín is "not usually present during games at his team's Vicente Calderón stadium." For his team's Champions League semifinal return league match in London against Chelsea, which Atlético won 3-1, Marín "made sure his flight back to Spain from London coincided with the time of the match" (LIBERTAD DIGITAL, 5/1).
