Getafe proud to stage women's final

Getafe will stage its first European final on 20 May when the inaugural UEFA Women's Champions League concludes at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez, an event heralded by a kick-off ceremony at the Teatro Federico García Lorca on Wednesday.

Among the innovations since the competition replaced the UEFA Women's Cup is a one-off final played two nights before the men's UEFA Champions League showpiece in the same city, as part of a week-long festival of football. Spanish Football Federation president Ángel María Villar Llona said: "Women's football is developing in leaps and bounds. To all the clubs who have invested in this tournament, thank you very much for your work, dedication and effort. I am convinced that on 20 May we will enjoy a great final because it is played in Spain, in Madrid and Getafe. Thank you to UEFA for having this first female final in Madrid."

The ceremony was conducted by Milene Domingues and featured a theatre and dance performance directed by German artist Enno Uhde, who has been appointed by UEFA to prepare the opening ceremonies for both finals in the Spanish capital. One of its highlights was the handing over of the new UEFA Women's Champions League trophy by Karen Espelund, UEFA Women's Football Committee first vice-chair, to the mayor of Getafe, Pedro Castro.

"This is a special season for women's football in UEFA as it marks the beginning of a new competition, the Women's Champions League," said Espelund. "The name, logo and format has been changed to give more prestige to the competition. This year I expect the two finalists to fill the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez."

The official adidas Madrid Finale match ball designed for both Madrid finals was presented and ticket details released, entry priced at a family-friendly €5 and €3. Tickets go on sale on 8 April on Getafe CF's website and in the stadium ticket office. A symbolic ticket was handed over by Getafe captain David Belenguer to former Spanish international Alfonso Pérez, the 2010 UEFA Women's Champions League final ambassador, and club president Ángel Torres.

"For Getafe this is a historic event," Torres said. "We've made history in hosting the first Women's Champions League final in Madrid and Getafe. This is an honour, and I have the honour to represent this club and I want to thank Mr Platini and Mr Villar Llona. I also want to thank all the effort of the council of Getafe. We hope that the day is a party. That week will be the festival of world football because it will have so much impact."