Benfica vs Barcelona: Why is the match venue special?

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On Tuesday, Barcelona defeated Portugal's Benfica in the ongoing UEFA Champions League at the Stadium of Light in Lisbon. A crazy game, as football fans called it, generated a lot of interest as both the teams kept the spectators on the edge with thrilling first and second halves and even postgame reports and content. Did you know that even the venue of the match, the 'Stadium of Light' in Lisbon, Portugal, has its own set of fans? The iconic venue, which is often called a must-visit for football fans and tourists, has many elements of interest, like a museum showcasing trophies and memorabilia, guided tours that let you explore its locker rooms, VIP areas and even walks on the pitch. Here are a few other interesting experiences awaiting tourists at the Stadium of Light:
1) The eagle flight
As football fans know, the eagle is Benfica's mascot. Before its matches, the mascot eagle, known as 'Aguia Vitoria' or 'Victory Eagle, ' performs an iconic traditional flight around the stadium. The bird is released from a designated area, flies over the pitch, lands on the centre circle, or perches on any special spots. Tourists who visit the stadium also get to experience the majestic ceremony.
2) The Eagle's connection on architecture
The most striking feature of the stadium is its suspended roof that resembles the spread wings of an eagle. The mascot is deeply connected to the football culture of Portugal. Visitors often say that while witnessing the 'eagle flight' ceremony, they often feel that the roof comes to life, adding to the emotional atmosphere.
3) More tourist attractions nearby
The Benfica district, where the stadium is located in Lisbon, is also home to many other tourist attractions like the Lisbon Zoo which houses over 2,000 animals, Monsanto Forest Park with many hiking and picnic areas, the Gulbenkian Museum, the Amoreiras Tower offers a panoramic view of the capital city and the Colombo Shopping Cente, which is one of the largest shopping malls in Europe.
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