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Man City handed major Champions League update ahead of knockout round

Champions League match ball
-Credit:Hendrik Deckers/Borussia Dortmund via Getty Images


Uefa have unveiled a new Champions League match ball as Manchester City look to book a place in the knockout phase of the competition.

After winning just three of their eight games, Pep Guardiola's side finished 22nd in the table, meaning they will play a two-legged play-off against Real Madrid. The Spanish giants finished 11th, winning five of their games.

City will host Real on Tuesday (February 11) before heading to Madrid the following week. Should the Blues progress to the last-16, they will be in the hat for the draw which will take place on Friday, February 21.

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With the knockout ties set to be played on either March 4 or March 5, Uefa have unveiled their new adidas 'Pro Ball Munich' match ball. Dark green features predominantly around the ball while the white stars are accompanied by the pink adidas and Champions League logo.

"The design celebrates Munich's status as the gateway to the Bavarian Alps and features the Champions League stars in white alongside hexagons in a striking green and copper, a nod to the colours of the rooftops and buildings seen throughout the city," Uefa explained.

"Within the green and copper block panels are small graphics celebrating some of Bavaria's most recognisable features – the Alps, the Palatine Lion, edelweiss flowers, the Waldlerhaus, the English Garden and hops, a popular crop in the region. As well as using recycled polyester and water-based ink, the 2024/25 crop are made from more bio-based substances than any previous Champions League official balls. Each layer of the balls has been adjusted to include materials such as corn fibre, sugar cane, wood pulp and rubber, without impacting its performance."

The match ball is described as possessing a 'range of technical innovations' with the PRISMA surface delivering improved precision and swerve. The outer texture offers secure grip and complete control while the seamless construction has been built for ultimate performance.