The Champions League final returns to Turkey in 2020, with the Ataturk Stadium set to host this year’s event. It is a great honour for the five-star venue which has already created a magical rapport with the competition.
The ground hosted the 2005 final match between Liverpool and AC Milan, now popularly remembered as ‘that night in Istanbul.’ Liverpool remembers the ground with fondness, given that this is where they came back from trailing 3-0 at half time to win their fifth title. Now that they are the defending champions, they will be looking to return to a ground they believe holds good tidings for them.
AC Milan would love to forget that night by all means. They do not appear like serious Champions League contenders, so returning here should not be key among their worries right now.
Why Ataturk?
The objective of building the ground might give some sense to it being a preferred sporting destination. When it was set up, it was meant to be part of the bidding chips for the 2008 Olympics. It is a large ground (76,761) hence can comfortably accommodate a large number of fans who travel to the Champions League finals.
The quality and safety standards of this ground are also top-notch. It has undergone several facelifts since its completion. It is now an all-seater stadium, something that is essential for safety. Numerous executive suites (34) mean that the large number of VIPs usually present at the final are well taken care of. The large grass surface is one of the best playing areas in Europe.
The Turkish football atmosphere also serves to make a case for the Ataturk. Turkish football fans are fanatical and are bound to light up whenever football activity comes around. Galatasaray fans will be somewhat unhappy now that their team is out of contention, having finished bottom in Group A.