The thrilling Champions League clash between Manchester City and Real Madrid set a groundbreaking streaming record on Amazon Prime Video in the United Kingdom.
A dramatic comeback by the Spanish giants saw them snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, captivating millions of viewers. This record-breaking event highlights the growing dominance of digital platforms in live sports broadcasting.
Table of Contents
A Historic Night for Streaming
Real Madrid’s late resurgence against Manchester City not only kept football fans on the edge of their seats but also marked a milestone for Amazon Prime Video. The fixture, which saw City take a late lead before Brahim Diaz and Jude Bellingham turned the game around, was streamed by over four million viewers—setting a new benchmark for live sports streaming in the UK.
This shattered the previous record, which was set during Manchester City’s 3-1 triumph over Arsenal in February 2023, a crucial match in the Premier League title race.
Prime Video’s Growing Role in the Champions League
This season marks Prime Video’s debut year as a broadcaster of Europe’s elite club competition in the UK. The platform secured exclusive rights to 17 marquee matches per season, airing on Tuesday nights. While they will continue to stream games up to and including the semi-final stage, the Champions League final will not be available on the service.
The Manchester City vs Real Madrid encounter was the first leg of their highly anticipated play-off, with the decisive return leg set to take place in Madrid on February 19.
The End of Prime Video’s Premier League Coverage
While Prime Video has found success with the Champions League, its journey with the Premier League came to an end in December. After six years of broadcasting domestic football in the UK, the streaming giant opted out of the latest television rights cycle.
Previously, Amazon had secured a package to air 20 Premier League matches per season, primarily during the festive period, for a reported £30 million. However, with the removal of this package from the latest auction, Prime Video chose to step away from English top-flight football.
What This Means for Sports Streaming
Amazon’s record-breaking audience for the Champions League suggests a shift in viewing habits, with more fans embracing digital platforms over traditional broadcasters. The convenience of streaming, coupled with high-quality coverage, has made platforms like Prime Video a preferred choice for modern football audiences.
As the competition progresses, it remains to be seen whether this record will be broken again—perhaps in the second leg in Madrid. For now, Prime Video’s foray into European football has started with a resounding success.
Read More: Manchester City Defender Manuel Akanji to Undergo Surgery as Pep Guardiola Confirms 10-Week Layoff
FAQs
What record did Manchester City vs Real Madrid break on Amazon Prime Video?
The match set a new streaming record for a live sporting event on Prime Video in the UK, surpassing four million viewers.
Which game previously held Prime Video’s streaming record?
Manchester City’s 3-1 victory over Arsenal in February 2023 held the previous record for the most-watched live sports event on the platform.
Does Amazon Prime Video have exclusive Champions League rights?
Yes, Prime Video has exclusive UK rights to 17 top Champions League matches per season on Tuesday nights until the semi-final stage.
Why did Amazon Prime Video stop broadcasting the Premier League?
Amazon chose not to renew its Premier League rights after the 20-game package was removed from the latest broadcasting auction.
When is the return leg of Manchester City vs Real Madrid?
The second leg of the Champions League tie will take place in Madrid on February 19, 2025.
