MTN And DSTV Host Watch Party as Barcelona Triumphs 4-3 Over Real Madrid

Multichoice, in collaboration with MTNl hosted a high-profile watch party on Sunday, May 11, at the Podium Event Centre, Lekki, as FC Barcelona staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Real Madrid 4–3 in what was one of the most exciting El Clásico fixtures in recent La Liga history.

For a sport enjoyed by over three billion people worldwide, the tension that comes with watching it is often overlooked. This sentiment resonates with Hansi Flick, one of the most celebrated coaches of the season. Since taking over the reins from Xavi Hernandez at Barcelona, he has embraced every moment of drama the sport offers. Just last week, his team suffered a 3-4 defeat against Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-finals, a match that could have led to a more favourable outcome for Barcelona in the league final. 

After the La Liga match on Sunday, Flick remarked that he would need to have his heart checked after witnessing Barcelona come back from a 2-0 down to win 4-3 against Real Madrid in a wild and chaotic game, which virtually secured a league and cup double in his first season.

The watch party, designed to elevate the football experience, attracted a diverse audience of football fans who gathered to witness the Spanish giants clash in a match with significant title implications. The viewing was accompanied by a suite of brand activations, giveaways, and consumer engagement touchpoints, reinforcing MTN’s growing role in Nigeria’s sports and entertainment economy.

The victory not only marked Barcelona’s fourth consecutive win over their arch-rivals this season but also virtually sealed their claim to the La Liga title, with a seven-point lead and just three matches remaining. The win comes just days after Barcelona’s narrow exit from the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, signalling a resilient end to an otherwise turbulent season.

For MTN, the event was a strategic opportunity to engage Nigeria’s vast base of football fans beyond the TV screen, creating physical, shareable experiences that drive both brand loyalty and market relevance.

Football fans at the watch party received MoMo-branded merchandise, participated in football-themed games, and were entered into raffles that rewarded winners with instant cash prizes sent directly to their MoMo wallets, a clear move to increase awareness and usage of the telecom’s mobile money platform.

“Football has a unique way of bringing people together regardless of background, language, or location. That’s why we support experiences like this,” said Lakinbofa Goodluck, MTN Nigeria’s PR Manager. “At MTN, we want to be a part of the moments that matter to our customers.”

MTN recognises sports not just as content, but as a platform for community engagement. The El Clásico event is one of several MTN-backed watch parties hosted across Nigerian cities, including Abuja, Uyo, and Lagos, using football as a conduit for deeper customer and social interaction.