To mark the return of the Champions League this month adidas have revealed the official match ball that will be used throughout the knockout stages and final. The UCL Finale Kiev ball sees the iconic stars take on a Ukrainian colour scheme to celebrate hosting the final at the NSK Olimpiyskyi Stadium.
In what has become an adidas tradition, the ball that was used in the Group Stage will be replaced by the Finale edition for all Knockout Stage games, beginning on Feb 13. With the focus now on reaching the final on May 26 in Kiev, the official match ball serves as a reminder of the prize at stake for players with its redesigned graphics inspired by the final's host city.
The trademark UCL stars have seen constellations of creativity since they were introduced in 2000, and the 2018 edition acts as a Ukrainian canvas. The NSK Olimpiyskyi Stadium in Kiev staged the UEFA EURO 2012 final, but 2018 will see the crowning of a different European champion entirely as club football's most prestigious prize will be contested in the capital.
Pick up the adidas UCL Finale Kiev Match Ball from prodirectsoccer.com
