Hosts Kitchee S.C. welcomed Atlético Madrid to Hong Kong in the Spanish club's first ever visit to the territory. The star-studded lineup featuring the likes of Joao Felix, Cesar Azpilicueta, and Angel Correa faced off against a Kitchee side bidding farewell to their legendary captain Huang Yang.
Atlético Madrid started on the front foot with two goals from Norwegian striker Alexander Sørloth, a brand new signing fresh from a red-hot season with Villareal. Kitchee answered with a well-taken goal from Uzbek winger Sherzod Temirov, but the Spanish side continued to dominate, and ended convincing winners with the scoreline 6-1. Players from both sides signed autographs and interacted with the fans after the match.
This match also marked the end of Huang Yang's professional career. 13 years after his first match for Kitchee against Chelsea in the ProEvents-organised Barclays Asia Trophy, it was a fitting end to the Kitchee captain's time in blue. Huang was substituted on the 19th minute amidst a standing ovation from fans, and a congratulatary gesture from both Atletico head coach Diego Simeone and Kitchee head coach Edgar Cardoso. The post-match festivities also included a farewell ceremony for Huang, whose No.19 shirt will be retired in his honour.
The event was a success with over 15,000 passionate fans in attendance, many of which got to saw their favourite players up close at the Hong Kong stadium. With both local matchgoers and visiting tourists from around Asia and beyond, the match cemented itself as one of the main sporting events in Hong Kong in 2024.
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