I was able to go to the Real Madrid v Celta Vigo game. This time I was a photographer.
This was an incredible experience. Before the game we were able to take photos next to the dugout about 10 yards away from the players. This sort of access was something unimaginable. This time I was more comfortable with the camera and understood how to use it. I hopefully have taken some photos that could be usable.
The experience was incredible but the game was not for madridistas. As a photographer I was touching distance away from the pitch. The speed and precision necessary to play at the top level was crazy. This confirmed that I could not have made it as a professional and I should be on the side of the pitch instead of playing on it.
Similar to many games I have been to, the crowd is not very welcoming to referees. Each decision against Real Madrid was faced with hostility. As a neutral, I understood some of the uproar over certain decisions. In particular, the sending off of both Carreras and Fran Garcia, which I thought to be harsh.
Sitting in front of the fans, the pressure was palpable as each decision went against Real Madrid. In the end, the red cards played their part as Real Madrid lost 2-0 at home to a brave Celta Vigo side.
In the end, this experience to be a photographer at the Bernabeu was something that I will not forget any time soon.
