ADIDAS UNVEIL UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2013 FINAL BALL – FINALE WEMBLEY
Today adidas unveiled the official match ball to commemorate the UEFA Champions League Final 2013 taking place at Wembley Stadium on 25th May. The adidas Finale Wembley was revealed to the public today as it was announced that the ball will be used on-pitch for the remainder of the season.
The ball has been designed to celebrate the UEFA Champions League Finals that have taken place at the ‘home of football’ over the last 50 years. The road to Wembley really gets underway during the knockout stages of the competition during which the ball will be introduced on-pitch. Wembley has seen some of the greatest teams in history compete for the top trophy in European football. From the AC Milan team in ’63, Manchester United in ’78, Ajax in ’71 to Liverpool’s ’78 side and Barcelona’s all-conquering teams in ’92 and again in 2011, Wembley has born witness to some fantastic sides lifting the UEFA Champions League trophy.
The aesthetic of the ball reflects these events, incorporating the years in which the finals took place into the well-known star panel design – an iconic feature of adidas’ official match balls for the competition. The technical graphics and the expressive colour scheme come together to reflect the grandeur of the occasion where this year’s winners will be crowned in front of the near 90,000-strong crowd.
The ball features an outer coating texture designed to provide optimal grip at the point of impact. The thermally bonded star panel design on the match ball, based on the design of the UEFA Champions League logo, provides a seamless surface and, as such, a truer flight.
The Vice President of Global Sports Marketing Football for adidas, Claus Peter-Mayer talked about the development of the ball, “adidas has created a ball to celebrate the finals staged at Wembley which, in turn, is a fitting tribute to this season’s eventual finalists and a wonderful compliment to what is surely going to be a great occasion.”
Guy-Laurent Epstein, UEFA Events SA Marketing Director stated “The ball is bold, iconic and almost regal in appearance which, for us, brilliantly reflects the UEFA Champions League values and the fact that this year’s final will be held in London. This season will see the ball used on-pitch for all knockout stage matches along the road to Wembley where the Kings of Europe will be crowned on what promises to be another historic night of European club football.”
adidas has a rich history in developing match balls having been the official supplier for all major UEFA and FIFA tournaments since 1970. This year’s ball will be the twentieth Official Match Balladidas has produced for the UEFA Champions League competition.
The adidas Finale Wembley will be used on field during UEFA Champions League matches from February 12th and is available for purchase in adidas retail stores and associated stockists as of 1st February.
ADIDAS UNVEIL EUROPEAN BALL COLLECTION
adidas revealed a new line-up of Official Match Balls for the 2012/2013 season of the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League and for the 2012 UEFA Super Cup competition.
The Finale 12 – The Official Match Ball for the 2012/2013 UEFA Champions League season
The adidas UEFA Champions League Finale 12 Official Match Ball will be used in all group stage matches of the 2012/2013 competition, and the new design features an outer coating texture designed to provide optimal grip at the point of impact.
The artwork within the iconic star panel construction uses bold colours (white/lab lime/dark violet) and is designed to reflect a tactics board of precise on-field movements in addition to the geographical locations throughout Europe linked together as a result of the competition.
The top and bottom thermal bonded stars on the match ball, based on the design of the UEFA Champions League logo, contain co-ordinates of Nyon, Switzerland, and Herzogenaurach, Germany, the homes of UEFA and Official Match Ball supplier adidas respectively.
The Official Match Ball for the UEFA Europa League
The new-look Official Match Ball for the 2012/2013 season of the UEFA Europa League will see the introduction of key ball technology first used for UEFA EURO 2012™ in the development of the highly successful Tango 12.
The distinctive design incorporates the now iconic UEFA Europa League colours (red/yellow) and also features a stylised interpretation of the UEFA Europa League Trophy within the panel designs.
The Official Match Ball for the UEFA Super Cup
Tomorrow, UEFA Champions League winner Chelsea FC play Club Atlético de Madrid, winner of the 2011/12 UEFA Europa League, in the UEFA Super Cup 2012 taking place in Monaco. The ball features technology taken from the Tango 12 and also builds in design features such as the competition logo and integrated blue and red colours of the two finalists.
UEFA Champions League Finale 12 and UEFA Europa League Official Match Balls are now available for purchase in adidas retail outlets, associated stockists and www.adidas.com/shop.
CASTROL EDGE: UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL
TERRY’S ABSENCE A BLESSING IN DISGUISE?
Chelsea supporters might be cursing the rush of blood that led to John Terry receiving a red card in the Champions League semi-final, which means he misses the Champions League final on Saturday. However, Castrol EDGE Performance data suggests that the Blues should not dwell the loss of their captain.
Since Terry’s Champions League debut for Chelsea, he has played in 85 Champions League games and only missed 14. When Terry has missed out, Chelsea have won 57% of their games, compared with less than half (49%) when he has played. Furthermore, they have conceded 0.82 goals per game with Terry in the team, compared with 0.79 when he has not been.
These statistics may show that Terry is often left out for games that Chelsea expect to win but for Chelsea fans it may prove that all is not lost when Terry saw red at the Nou Camp.
Champions League 11/12 – Chelsea with and without John Terry in the Champions League
CHELSEA AND BAYERN LOOK TO WINGERS FOR INSPIRATION
During the Champions League final, Chelsea’s Florent Malouda and Juan Mata go head to head with Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery.
Castrol EDGE Performance Data shows that Franck Ribery leads the way in the Champions League with five assists and a pass completion rate of 88%. This is particularly impressive considering that he has passed far more than the wide players, with his 608 attempts some way ahead of Mata’s 353. When combined with his 76 dribbles and three goals, Ribery is clearly the man Chelsea need to stop.
Ribery is closely followed by his team mate Arjen Robben. Although the Dutchman has only made seven appearances in the 2011/12 Champions League due to injury, he has scored more frequently than the other three, with his four goals coming once every 137.2 minutes.
Nevertheless, the Bayern duo is not superior in all respects. In particular, Mata and Malouda have crossed 49 and 35 times respectively with success rates of 37% and 40%. This is superior to both Ribery and Robben, who have far lower success rates of 17% and 18%. Interestingly, Malouda has provided as many assists (2) as Robben and Mata and his pass completion rate (87%) is second only to Franck Ribery (88%).
Champions League 11/12 – Malouda v Ribery v Robben v Mata
SCHWEINSTEIGER OUT TO STOP RESURGENT LAMPARD
Bastian Schweinsteiger spoke this week about his respect for Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard. Castrol EDGE Performance data shows that he will have his hands full trying to contain the Englishman during Saturday’s Champions League Final.
Schweinsteiger praised the way that Lampard “plays with his eyes” in attack, which is backed up by Lampard’s record of 3 goals, 7 shots on target and 3 assists in the 2011/12 Champions League. In contrast, Schweinsteiger has failed to score despite taking 10 shots, with 6 on target.
However, the German’s passing statistics stack up favourably against Lampard’s. Despite playing 3 games less than Lampard, he has only one less assist (2) and has made 471 passes to Lampard’s 357. This is an indication of the way that Bayern Munich have dominated their opposition in the 2011/12 Champions League.
Unsurprisingly, Schweinsteiger has made almost as many tackles as Lampard (21 compared to 23) despite playing 179 minutes less. His tackle success rate (57% to Lampard’s 39%) reaffirms his reputation as Germany’s premier holding midfielder.
Champions League 11/12 – Bastian Schweinsteiger v Frank Lampard
NEUER V CECH: WILL THE CUP BE IN SAFE HANDS?
Castrol EDGE Performance data shows that in Cech and Neuer, both Chelsea and Bayern Munich have a world class goalkeeper, which could become crucial if the Champions League final goes to penalties.
Both have kept five clean sheets in the competition but it is Neuer who ostensibly has the more impressive record, conceding only 8 goals at a rate of one goal conceded every 128 minutes. By comparison, Cech has conceded 11 goals at a rate of one per 101 minutes.
However, Cech has come under more pressure than the German goalkeeper, having been forced to make 52 saves in total, compared to Neuer’s 32. He can also boast a spotless catch success rate of 18, with no drops.
Champions League 11/12 – Manuel Neuer v Petr Cech
GOMEZ V DROGBA: THE POACHER AND THE TALISMAN
Castrol EDGE Performance data shows us the subtle differences between Bayern Munich’s ruthless poacher Mario Gomez and Chelsea’s talismanic Didier Drogba and indicates their importance to their teams.
Drogba has played four less games and 330 less minutes than Gomez in the 2011/12 Champions League. However, Gomez’ twelve goals still give him a superior minutes per goal rate of 73.3 when compared to Drogba’s five goals at one per 110 minutes. The threat that Gomez poses is reinforced by his record of 39 shots with a shooting accuracy of 72%, which overshadows Drogba’s 20 shots with an accuracy of 40%.
However, Drogba dribbles more often (DD 27 MG 15) and with more success (DD 48% MG 33%). He has also managed two assists in the 2011/12 Champions League where Gomez has none.
Gomez has therefore become a reliable finisher for Bayern Munich but a lot will rest on whether his team can provide him with the opportunities to score. Drogba, on the other hand, will be looking to wreak havoc in the Bayern Munich half and provide the inspiration for Chelsea’s first Champion’s League title.
Champions League 11/12 – Mario Gomez v Didier Drogba
DI MATTEO: CUP CONQUEROR?
Roberto Di Matteo has overseen a revival in form that has led Chelsea to two major cup finals. Castrol EDGE Performance data shows the extent of Chelsea’s formidable cup form, which Di Mateo will be hoping can secure a first Champions League trophy for the London club.
Chelsea’s march to FA Cup glory saw them maintain a 100% win record across 4 games, conceding at a rate of 1 goal per game and scoring 14 times in total, at a rate of 3.5 goals per game.
Similarly, their Champion’s League form has seen them win all but one of their 5 games under Di Matteo, the other game being the impressive draw that they gained at the Nou Camp in the semi-finals.
Champions League 11/12 – Di Matteo with Chelsea in FA Cup & Champions League
ALLIANZ ARENA TRANSPORTED TO LONDON
The unique look and atmosphere of Munich’s Allianz Arena has been recreated in London to celebrate the Final between Chelsea FC and FC Bayern Munich on May 19.
Fans have been given the chance to experience the magnificent stadium via a piece of unique 3D art which was installed at Westfield London, Shepherds Bush this weekend before moving to Munich for the big match later this week. The artwork recreated the iconic stadium with its distinctive lit panels that illuminate it’s exterior, and with the trickery of 3D artwork fans had their chance to have their photograph taken inside the artwork for them to upload to Facebook, creating a fantastic supporters image courtesy of Allianz.
“No one knows the Allianz Arena better than Allianz but we knew not everyone would make it out to Munich to experience the game. We wanted to share our world famous football stadium with all football fans in London and beyond, so this artwork is a fantastic way to be part of one of football’s biggest events,” says Dr Christian Deuringer, Head of Global Brand Management of Allianz SE. Allianz, one of the world’s leading financial services and insurance providers, has its global head office located in Munich.
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL DESTINATION– ALLIANZ ARENA MUNICH
This season’s UEFA Champions League has been full of surprises. It is apt then that the two teams set to face each other in the Final on the 19th of May are a surprise. Chelsea have turned what was looking like a pretty miserable season into right around and stand on the brink of finally tasting European glory. First however they will have to overcome Bayern Munich – in their own backyard.
Bayern Munich’s home, the Allianz Arena in Munich, will play host to this seasons UEFA Champions League Final and, thanks to Allianz, we have able to give you a great behind the scenes look at the world class stadium.
The iconic stadium is known for the distinctive illuminated ‘cushions’ on the exterior facade, which change to red, blue or white depending on who is playing inside – so red and blue for the Final.
Allianz performed a key role in the Arena development, with its research laboratory, the Allianz Center for Technology (AZT), conducting all fire resistance tests of the outer material. The Allianz Arena took three years to build, and since its official opening on May 31, 2005, has hosted nearly 15 million fans and over 300 matches – including the opening match and semi-finals of the 2006 FIFA World Cup. 66,000 attend each major match.
The Allianz Arena in the Bavarian capital, Munich has already provided the stage for more than 175 football matches – all of which have been sold out over the past few years.
Capacity
- Total: 69,901 capacity undercover (66,000 seats)
- 106 VIP boxes of various sizes accommodating 1,374 guests
Parking
- 9,800 parking places in four x four-storey Esplanade car parks (the largest in Europe)
Inside the Arena
- 6,000 m² of catering facilities including; 28 kiosks, restaurants and a Business Club
- offices and conference rooms
- a nursery
- 4 changing rooms
- 2 warm-up rooms, each 110m²
Pitch
- Pitch: 68 m x 105 m, Pitch gross: 72 m x 111 m
- Total surface (barrier to barrier): 120 m x 83 m
- Spectator distance from pitch: 7.5 m minimum
- Pitchside barrier height: approx 1.2 m
Façade
- Façade and roof: 66,500 m² in total, comprising 2,760 inflated panels
- 1,056 (of 2,760) illuminated panels (in the colors with, blue and red)
- Illuminated area 25,500 m²
Fans are encouraged to go to Football for Life on Facebook to post comments and share their piece of advice to the players and teams as they prepare for the Final.
“Football is an international language, spoken by millions around the world,” says Christian Deuringer. “We look forward to sharing our insight and knowledge with fans all over the world and welcoming them to this great stadium and to Munich on May 19.”
On the 19th of May the two teams will walk down the tunnel and come up from under the stands and we are hoping that the football they produce on that night is a breath taking as the Allianz Arena.
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TROPHY TOUR
This season is the 57th season of UEFA Champions League championship and 2th since it was rebranded from the European Champion Clubs’ Cup. The knock-out phase is well underway and we will soon be heading to the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany hand the famous UEFA Champions League trophy to the winners.
Football fans from three different continents have the chance to see the world-famous UEFA Champions League trophy in real life when it goes on tour this March and April.
The 2012 UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour is presented for the sixth consecutive year by Heineken, a UEFA Champions League partner, and will give football enthusiasts in Mexico, Africa and China the chance to see and get up close to the famous trophy. The trophy has now become a true global icon representing the excellence of the UEFA Champions League worldwide and for all the world’s greatest players playing at club level, the trophy symbolises the ultimate achievement in European club football.
The UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour is currently in Mexico City until18 March, before it moves on to Guadalajara. The trophy will then start its African journey travelling from Dar es Salaam to Mombasa and Nairobi and will end its tour in Shanghai, China.
This year three internationally renowned football legends will accompany the UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour acting as UEFA ambassadors; two-time UEFA Champions League winner, Christian Karembeu in Mexico, Chelsea FC former legend Celestine Babayaro in Kenya and Dutch footballing hero Ronald de Boer in China.
In addition, Heineken are also bringing two legendary ambassadors; former Manchester United FC goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar in Mexico and Dutch legend Ruud Gullit in Kenya and China.
To celebrate the launch of the 2012 UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour Heineken gave a group of unsuspecting travelling fans the football moment of their lives. Heineken set up an imaginative hoax to find out exactly what football fans would do if they got closer to the Trophy than they’d ever imagined.
To see more Champions Hotel films go to http://youtube.com/Heineken and click on the UEFA Champions league playlist.
The full schedule of the UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour 2012 presented by Heineken is as follows:
• Mexico (Mexico City & Guadalajara) 9-18 March
• Tanzania (Dar es Salaam) – 24-27 March
• Kenya (Nairobi & Mombasa) – 28-31 March
• China (Shanghai) – 6-15 April
Commenting on the Trophy Tour, David Taylor, CEO of UEFA Events S.A., said:
“The UEFA Champions League has a long and distinguished heritage and is the pinnacle of European club football. The Trophy Tour really demonstrates the true global reach and appeal of the UEFA Champions League. We are delighted that together with Heineken we can reward the passion and dedication of football fans around the world by taking the trophy to them.”
Hans Erik Tuijt, Heineken’s Brand Activation Manager, commented:
“Each UEFA Champions League season, Heineken strives to ignite fans conversations. This year’s UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour launch brings football fans around the world closer to action in an unexpected and surprising way enabling them to interact with Heineken and the tournament. As we get closer to the final, we will continue to engage with fans by offering legendary experiences.”
ADIDAS UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINALE MUNICH BALL
The UEFA Champions League will kick-off once again when the round of Last 16 begins on February 14th. Ahead of the knock-out stage Adidas have unveiled the new ball design for the final set to be held in Munich, Germany.
In a change from previous season the new Finale Munich ball will be used throughout the knock-out stage and not just on just on the 19th May 2012 at the Allianz Arena. The iconic Champions League star motif stands out beautifully with this White/Slime/Cyan/Indigo colourway unique design elements.
The adidas Finale Munich 12 ball has received the highest FIFA rating for weight, water uptake, shape and size retention. The PSC texture, an advancement from the ‘pimple’ design, aids power, swerve and control in all weather conditions.
Star shaped panels are joined by revolutionary thermal bonding technology for perfect aerodynamics. Negating the need for seams and stitching benefits the ball prolonging the life and giving it a more predictable trajectory, better touch and lower water uptake.
SILVA, NASRI WEAR BLACK-OUT ADIZERO MICOACH
We have spotted a few players in blacked out boots this week but we were a little surprised by the latest one. We originally thought Silva had joined a host of other players testing out the new Adidas Predator D5 but it turns out he was actually wearing a black-out version of the already released F50 AdiZero MiCoach.
We were surprised to see Silva wearing a black-out version of a boot that has already been released. A player in black-out boots usually means they are testing the boot out or their contract is up. Seeing as these are the brand new AdiZero MiCoach the contract option is out, which means Silva was testing them. We assume that, as Messi gave them an official debut on Tuesday night, that Silva is getting ready to switch over to the new boots. Perhaps we can expect to see him in them this weekend?
Silva’s teammate Samir Nasri had been spotted in a pair of black-out Predator D5 boots during training and when he walked out in a pair of black-out boots we assumed it was the same pair but they are clearly not the new D5.
The new D5 has a pretty distinct heel while the new AdiZero soleplate is the same as the previous F50 AdiZero models. The best explanation is that Nasri will join Silva in the new AdiZero MiCoach soon and will switch to the D5 when they are released next year.
MESSI DEBUTS NEW ADIZERO MICOACH
Last night saw Barcelona star Lionel Messi give the new Adidas F50 AdiZero MiCoach their official debut. Messi gave the new F50s the perfect debut scoring a hat-trick (and his 200th goal for FC Barcelona) agasint FC Viktoria Plzen.
Messi has worn the boot competitively when he wore them for Argentina against Nigeria a few months back – but that was a hype creating ploy by Adidas. Messi wore the Energy/White/Electricity colourway – which he will wear exclusively in La Liga.
WALCOTT, GERVINHO, ARSHAVIN TEST VAPOR VIII
It is not uncommon to see new boots being tested out during training sessions for the UEFA Champions League. This week three players from Arsenal gave us a glimpse at a hotly anticipated upcoming boot.
The Gunners trio of players were testing out the new Nike Mercurial Vapor VIII. We have seen both Arshavin and Gervinho in the new Nike speed before but this is the first time Theo Walcott has given them a run.