September 2 – Russian city Saint Petersburg are favourites to host the 2021 Champions League final with Munich’s Allianz Arena and London’s Wembley Stadium hosting the next two editions of the European showpiece game.
Saint Petersburg has long been considered the frontrunner for the 2021 final, even though Munich is in the host running for 2021 as well, but more likely to get the nod for the 2022 edition.
The 68,000-capacity Krestovksy Stadium was one of the flagship venues during the 2018 World Cup in Russia, staging among other matches the semi-final between France and Belgium. The stadium is also the home of the city’s football team Zenit St. Petersburg.
In 2008, Moscow was the first Russian city to host the Champions League final when Manchester United defeated Chelsea on penalties after a 1-1 draw at the Luzhniki Stadium.
The Allianz Arena staged the European Cup final in 2012. Again the final went to a penalty shout-out, but this time Chelsea triumphed overcoming hosts Bayern Munich.
Wembley hosted the 2011 and 2013 editions of the final. In total, the stadium has played host to the European Cup final seven times. In 2020, England’s national stadium will host the Euro 2020 final and a year later the ground will welcome the 2021 Women’s Euro final.
UEFA is also using the Allianz Arena and the Krestovksy Stadium for Euro 2020. The UEFA executive committee is expected to confirm the host awards on September 24 in Ljubljana.
Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at moc.l1714611089labto1714611089ofdlr1714611089owedi1714611089sni@o1714611089fni1714611089