Key Moments From UCL Final As Pepsi Takes Centre Stage
For many Nigerian football lovers, Saturday night was beyond a just a game of football between two European giants, Manchester City and Inter Milan, it was an experience never to be forgotten as brand Pepsi took it a notch higher when it opened its door to host fans at the 2023 edition of Pepsi Goal Fest turning the event into an evening of true consumer festivity.
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Pepsi ensured both the match and the viewing experience was spiced up with the best of music and entertainment. Pepsi changed the game by taking Afrobeat to the Champions league, with Grammy Award winner and Pepsi Ambassador Burna Boy activating the global stage like none other.
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As fans across the world enjoyed the trill of Afrobeat, the brand activated Lagos by giving fans an unforgettable live experience with the Confam football party. Fans had the opportunity to watch and party with Super Eagles Legends John Mike
Obi, Victor Ikpeba and one of Naija’s biggest music stars, Zlatan Ibile, DJ Xclusive and Maze x Mxtreme at the Pepsi Goal Fest viewing centre, Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos.
In case you missed the whole experience, here are key moments from the UEFA
Champions League final which ended in Manchester City’s favour as Pep Guardiola’s men became European Champions for the first time.
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Pepsi Kick Off Show
80,000 fans at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium and millions of fans around the world were left dazzled following enthralling musical performances by Burna Boy and Anitta at the Pepsi Kickoff Show. Burna Boy lived up to the hype of his much-anticipated performance as he and his live band gave energetic renditions of his hit songs Last Last and It’s Plenty.
De Bruyne’s injury
The football world was sharply divided when City’s talisman, Kevin De Bruyne, was left sitting on the floor because of an injury scare, he was later substituted in the 36th minute. This is the second time he limped off the pitch injured in a UEFA Champions League final, after he did the same 2 years ago against his former club, Chelsea.
Rodri Goal
2 years after he was left on the bench against Chelsea, Rodri made the difference between the finalists after his 68th minute strike found the back of Andre Onana’s net. Manchester City would go on to defend their lead while Inter Milan pressed hard for an equalizer to no avail.
Lukaku’s introduction
All eyes were on Chelsea loanee and former Manchester United hitman, Romelu Lukaku when he was summoned to replace former Manchester City striker Edin
Dzeko. Lukaku’s absence from the starting lineup had raised eyebrows, his entry was expected to shape the trajectory of the match. True to it, the Belgian blocked Federico Di Marco’s goal-bound header and missed arguably the biggest opportunity of the game in the dying minutes.
Ball Playing Goalkeepers
The final was largely defined by the duo of Onana and Ederson Moraes quality on the ball. Both goalkeepers were instrumental in keeping the game even and interesting with their ability to start the game of play with their passing range, composure on the ball and saves.
Beyond the thrill of the game, Pepsi continues to maintain its status as a foremost driver of popculture, using sports. With Burna Boy and Anitta’s iconic performances and the amusement-filled GoalFest in Lagos, this Champions League final is one many would not forget in a hurry.
Source: Legit.ng
