- UEFA trophy stolen during Lisbon match, recovered before final.
- Champions League trophy heist shakes Lisbon days to final.
- Police recover stolen trophy ahead of Arsenal vs Barcelona.
In a surprising twist ahead of the much-anticipated UEFA Women’s Champions League final, Portuguese police have successfully recovered the stolen championship trophy.
The daring theft occurred during a live league match at Lisbon’s José Alvalade Stadium — the very venue set to host the final showdown between reigning champions Barcelona and contenders Arsenal.
How the Trophy Was Stolen
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While fans were engrossed in the action-packed clash between Sporting Lisbon and Vitoria Guimaraes on Saturday, a group of masked thieves quietly executed a bold heist.
According to police reports, the individuals, wearing balaclavas, broke into the stadium’s garage by forcefully opening a gate.
What Was Taken?
The culprits made away with the UEFA Women’s Champions League trophy and several valuable pieces of equipment belonging to UEFA.
The incident, unnoticed during the game, was only reported to the authorities the following morning, Sunday, May 18.
Swift Police Action and Recovery
In a rapid response that reads like a crime thriller, Portuguese police launched an immediate investigation.
Within days, the stolen items including the iconic trophy were recovered and returned to UEFA.
Thirteen Suspects in Custody
Authorities have identified thirteen suspects connected to the theft.
Also Read: Arsenal Overcome a 2-0 First-leg Deficit to Oust Real Madrid from the Champions League
While the full details of the operation remain undisclosed, law enforcement confirmed that the case is far from closed.
Further arrests and recoveries are expected in the coming days.
UEFA Reacts: Final Preparations Back on Track
Despite the unsettling incident, preparations for the UEFA Women’s Champions League final continue as planned.
Scheduled for Saturday, May 24 at 6 PM, the match promises an electrifying face-off between Barcelona and Arsenal, now with an added layer of drama surrounding the return of the trophy.
Football’s Most Unexpected Subplot
The recovery of the trophy just days before the final adds a dramatic prelude to what was already shaping up to be a historic event.
The incident has also raised concerns about stadium security and the handling of major sporting artifacts during high-profile events.
Conclusion
The stolen UEFA Women’s Champions League trophy has been safely returned, and fans can now look forward to the grand final with renewed excitement.
As investigations continue, this incident will remain a memorable subplot in football history.
What Do You Think?
Did this unexpected drama change your view of stadium security or UEFA’s event management? Leave a comment below,
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