Adidas reveal UCL final ball that is inspired by Kiev

Adidas have unveiled the match ball that will be used for the final of the Champions League.

The competition returns this month for the knockout stages, with the first game to take place on February 13. And in what has become a tradition for adidas, the ball will be used for all the post-group stage action.

The Champions League final itself will take place in Kiev, Ukraine on May 26.

And, as a result, adidas have decided to give the ball a design that is inspired by the host city for the final.

There are the usual Champions League stars that have become synonymous with the competition since they were first introduced as part of the branding in 2000.

But they have been dashed with a smattering of blue and yellow — the two colours used in the Ukrainian flag, along with silver codas that seemingly surround something akin to a sunburst.

The final will be held at the NSK Olimpiyskyi Stadium, which was also the site for the 2012 European Championship final, won by Spain.

Premier League side Manchester City are the current favourites to win the Champions League after their blistering start to the campaign. Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are also highly tipped.