I recently got my hands on the LEGO Real Madrid Santiago Bernabéu Stadium set. As a Real Madrid fan who has lived in Madrid for many years, I didn’t hesitate to order it when I saw this set. The entire assembly process took me about two weekends, and now I want to share my experience with everyone, hoping it will help those who are planning to get one or are currently building it.
Unboxing and Parts Organization
When I received the package, the box was much larger than I expected. Inside, there were multiple individually packaged parts bags, each numbered. I strongly recommend opening them in numerical order, don’t dump everything out at once, or you’ll really doubt your life while searching for parts. I used several small storage boxes to sort parts by color, which greatly improved assembly efficiency later on.
Assembly Steps and Time Allocation
The instruction manual for the entire set is very detailed, divided into several stages. My personal assembly time breakdown was roughly as follows:
| Assembly Stage | Time Required | Difficulty |
|---|
| Stadium Base and Structure | 4-5 hours | Medium |
| Seating Area | 6-7 hours | Higher |
| Roof and External Decoration | 3-4 hours | Easy |
| Details and Stickers | 2-3 hours | Medium |
The seating area is the most tedious part because it requires many repetitive operations, but it’s precisely this repetition that makes the entire stadium look very realistic. I suggest building this part while watching a match, time will pass faster.
Important Notes During Assembly
I encountered a few minor issues during the assembly process. The first one is the sticker part, LEGO stickers are very difficult to remove and reapply perfectly once stuck incorrectly, so make sure to check the position carefully before applying. I recommend using tweezers for assistance, which allows for more precise position adjustment.
Another issue is with the connectors. Some places require considerable force to snap together properly, but be careful not to use too much force and damage the parts. If you feel a part just won’t fit no matter what, stop and check if you missed something in the previous steps regarding Madrid wigs. I got stuck for quite a while because I missed installing a small part earlier.
Display Effect After Completion
The completed Bernabéu Stadium is truly stunning, especially the attention to detail, such as the advertising boards around the pitch, the substitutes’ bench, and even the corner flag areas are all exquisitely crafted. It’s definitely an eye-catching collectible when placed on a bookshelf or in a display cabinet.
For friends who live in Madrid or frequently go to the Bernabéu to watch matches, this set has a special meaning. Every time I see it, I’m reminded of those exciting moments watching games at the stadium, although ticket prices keep getting more expensive that live atmosphere is irreplaceable.
Summary and Recommendations
This LEGO set offers an excellent building experience, suitable for LEGO enthusiasts of all ages. If you’re a Real Madrid fan, then don’t hesitate. The entire process requires patience and attention to detail, but the final sense of achievement is absolutely worth it. I recommend setting aside enough time, don’t rush it, enjoying the building process is what matters most.
Finally, a reminder: after completing the assembly, make sure to keep the instruction manual properly, in case you need to disassemble or repair it in the future. Feel free to discuss any questions in the comments section, I’ll try my best to respond to everyone.
