Only 7,982 Fans Attend! Barça vs. Real Madrid Legends Match Ends in Disappointment as Figo Walks Off Early

On the evening of December 20, football fans in Hong Kong witnessed a highly anticipated legends match between the iconic players of Real Madrid and Barcelona. The match, billed as a celebration of the rivalry between two of football's greatest clubs, ended with Barcelona Legends securing a commanding 5-2 victory, highlighted by a hat-trick from David Villa. However, the event was overshadowed by an underwhelming turnout, logistical issues, and a moment of frustration from Luís Figo, who left the pitch before the awards ceremony concluded.

Star-Studded Lineups Fail to Attract Fans

Despite the allure of legendary players gracing the field, the match failed to draw a significant crowd. Held in a stadium with a capacity of 40,000, the attendance was shockingly low, with only 7,982 spectators present, translating to a dismal 20% occupancy rate. This turnout was even lower than the 8,236 fans who attended a recent East Asian Football Championship qualifier between Hong Kong and Guam.

The lineups for both teams were nothing short of stellar. Barcelona Legends featured names like Thierry Henry, Xavi Hernández, Carles Puyol, David Villa, Patrick Kluivert, Javier Saviola, Luis García, Ricardo Quaresma, Gaizka Mendieta, Ludovic Giuly, Vítor Baía, Francesco Coco, and Edmílson. Real Madrid Legends boasted Luís Figo, Roberto Carlos, Michael Owen, Iker Casillas, Fabio Cannavaro, Fernando Morientes, Esteban Cambiasso, Christian Karembeu, and Rubén de la Red.

Despite this star power, the high ticket prices appeared to deter many fans. Tickets were sold in five tiers, ranging from HK$680 to HK$2,480, with VIP meet-and-greet packages priced at HK$3,480 and HK$5,980. Even with a 25% discount offered to students and educational groups, the attendance remained disappointing.

The Match: A Mix of Nostalgia and Excitement

The match itself was a nostalgic trip down memory lane for those in attendance. Split into two 40-minute halves, it featured plenty of action and entertainment. David Villa stole the show with a hat-trick, while Michael Owen, Javier Saviola, and Patrick Kluivert also found the back of the net. Barcelona Legends dominated the game, earning a 5-2 victory.

After the final whistle, an awards ceremony was held to honor the players. However, the event's organization left much to be desired.

Figo's Frustration and Early Exit

One of the most talked-about moments of the evening came during the post-match ceremony when Luís Figo stormed off the pitch before its conclusion. According to local media reports, Figo was frustrated with the chaotic arrangements, including an extended autograph session that seemed to drag on without end. His visible irritation and premature departure highlighted the event's organizational shortcomings.

A Missed Opportunity

What was meant to be a grand spectacle celebrating the legends of two footballing giants ended up being a sobering reminder of the challenges of hosting such events. The low attendance, high ticket prices, and disorganized post-match activities marred an otherwise entertaining evening of football.

For the fans who did attend, the chance to see their childhood heroes in action was undoubtedly special. But for many others, the steep costs and logistical flaws proved too much to overcome. As a result, this legends match, despite its star-studded rosters, will likely be remembered more for its missed opportunities than its moments of brilliance on the pitch.