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Revealed: Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu is the No.1 away day for football fans - but which Premier League stadiums make the top 20?

Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu is one of the most iconic stadiums in the world, a temple for Los Blancos' fans and the scene of so many historic triumphs on club's way to winning a record 35 Spanish titles and being crowned European champions 14 times. It is also a mecca for football fans, who for decades have flocked from all corners of the globe to see Real's array of stars, from Alfredo di Stefano to Raul, Cristiano Ronaldo or current greats Luka Modric and Karim Benzema.

And the Bernabeu, which is in the middle of an ambitious renovation project, has just been voted the number one ground to visit in Europe. A poll of 10,000 people who follow football in the UK, France, Spain, Germany and Italy found that the Bernabeu offered the best atmosphere for visiting fans, as well as being the smartest ground, helped by its historic architecture.

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    Anfield the highest ranked Premier League stadium

    The Spotify Camp Nou, the home of Real's arch rivals Barcelona, came a close second. Liverpool's Anfield ranked third, the highest of any Premier League stadium, closely followed by Manchester United's Old Trafford, which came fourth.

    Bayern Munich's Allianz Arena came fifth, while the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Chelsea's Stamford Bridge and West Ham United's London Stadium also featured in the top 20.

    Eighty five per cent of fans, meanwhile, said that their ultimate away day would be seeing their team in the Champions League final.

    The research by OnePoll marks the launch of Nissan’s 'Electric Away Days' series, which features former Manchester City players and celebrity fans driving to away games, whilst discussing their favourite away days memories and giving their thoughts on the current season.

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    City eyeing revenge for Bernabeu late show

    City visit the Bernabeu on Tuesday in a Champions League semi-final first leg, hoping to avenge their semi-final defeat to Real Madrid last season. City were enjoying a 5-3 lead on aggregate heading into added time in the second leg at the Bernabeu but Real's Brazilian forward Rodrygo struck twice in the space of two epic minutes to force extra-time.

    Karim Benzema scored a penalty to send Los Blancos through to the final against Liverpool, prolonging City's long wait to finally win Europe's biggest prize.

    Despite the sour end to City's European adventure last year, midfielder Phil Foden said he still has glowing memories of facing Madrid at the Bernabeu, enthusiastically backing up the results of the survey. “I love Madrid away. The atmosphere and to play in a special stadium like that - I enjoyed every moment,” he said at the campaign's launch.

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    Rodri sets sights on another Champions League final

    City's Spanish midfielder Rodri was asked what his ideal away day would be and immediately said the Champions League final, setting his sights on this year's final in Istanbul. City reached the 2021 showpiece but lost 1-0 to Chelsea in Porto.

    “It has to be the Final of the Champions League. We had the chance to get to one and I hope we can do it again," he said.

    But no matter the occasion or stadium, City captain Kevin De Bruyne explained that his team's pre-match planning does not change: “We know the importance of some games can feel bigger than others, but the preparation always remains the same," said the Belgian.

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    Car the top method of transport for away fans

    The study also found 69 per cent of fans have been on an away day to support their team – with the average fan attending at least three away matches per season. For fans who attend away matches, travelling by car (44 per cent) was the preferred route of transport, with 20 per cent opting to take the train.

    Being part of the atmosphere in the stadium, travelling with friends and exploring a new city or country were among the top reasons fans gave for enjoying away day fixtures. More than a third (34 per cent) said celebrating a win away from home feels more special than at home.

    However, 52 per cent admitted their experience would be ruined if their team either lost or drew. And 76 per cent said they wished that had the opportunity to attend more away matches in the future.

    Watch the first episode of Nissan’s Electric Away Days series, featuring Joleon Lescott and Ricky Hatton