MADRID, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid will play their third round Copa del Rey tie against Unionistas de Salamanca in Unionistas' small 'Las Pistas del Helmantico' stadium, it was confirmed on Friday.
There had been doubts over whether the ground, which usually holds just 3,000 fans, would be deemed suitable to host the game, due to safety reasons. There were also questions over whether the stadium's floodlights would be sufficient for the game that kicks off at 21.00 hours on Wednesday, Jan. 22 and which will be broadcast worldwide.
Unionistas had been offered the opportunity to hold the game in the 20,000 capacity Helmantico Stadium, which is only a few yards away, but rejected the idea of playing in the ground which is home to their bitter local rivals, Salamanca UDS.
"The game will be played in Las Pistas with the maximum possible capacity," confirmed Unionistas' President Miguel Angel Sandoval after the ground was given the OK by the regional government delegate.
The club will add temporary floodlights and also build temporary stands in order to increase capacity for the biggest game in the club's six-year history.
Speaking in his press conference ahead of his side's league game at home to Sevilla this Saturday, Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane was asked about the decision but avoided any controversy saying, "it's not something that worries us today."
