Why Real Madrid’s match against the MLS All-Stars is a must win

Tonight will conclude Real Madrid‘s coast to coast United States preseason tour as the team takes on the MLS All-Stars. Although I’ve said multiple times the results of these preseason matches don’t matter, this one actually does. Here’s why.

Real Madrid have lost all three of their preseason matches thus far in the US. Although playing tight matches against Manchester United in Santa Clara and FC Barcelona in Miami, Real were blown out in the second half against Manchester City losing 4-1 in Los Angeles.

Now, as Los Blancos prepare to take on the best from the MLS tonight in Chicago, it’s time that this team get a much-needed win before beginning the competitive schedule next week.

In my two match previews prior to the Man U and Man City matches, I said the result wouldn’t matter and the focus was to get the team up to match speed and get that normal fitness level back.

After three matches, there can be no more excuses. Real Madrid have to win this match tonight.

While the MLS All-Star team will feature some impressive talent such as former Real Madrid star Kaká, former FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid midfielder David Villa, and German international star Bastian Schweinsteiger, Real have the better team top to bottom and should be able to take care of business.

With Marco Asensio already back to looking like his 2016/2017 self, Isco linking up well with the forward line, and Toni Kroos back with the squad, Madrid should be heavy favorites in this match.

The only setback is the possibility of Gareth Bale missing yet another match with a leg injury. Yes, it feels like Groundhog Day with this guy and his leg injuries.

Bale left Real’s training session Tuesday at Solider Field after appearing to injure his ankle. The above video shows the Welshman limping into the locker room.

Other than the absence of Bale, Los Blancos should have all of their starting players available other than Cristiano Ronaldo who remains in Spain answering questions on allegations of tax evasion.

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Manager Zinedine Zidane spoke glowingly of the competition his team will face tonight, saying of former Real Madrid star Kaká, “Obviously, it’ll be nice to see Kaka. He’s an important player in the history of Real Madrid. It’ll be nice for his ex-teammates to see him, as well.”

The main reason I’m saying this is a must win match for Real Madrid is because of the momentum it can create heading into the club’s first competitive match of the season in just 6 days against Manchester United.

There are a few players who need to still find their footing in match play, namely Karim Benzema who has yet to make any impact, and Sergio Ramos who looked sloppy in El Clasico against Barca on Saturday night. Not to mention, Kiko Casilla has given up a lot of goals in his few sparing playing time thus far this preseason, giving up four goals in less than 45 minutes against Man City.

One thing to keep an eye on in today’s match is how Zidane decides to rotate the squad with lots of traveling ahead and several matches in quick succession.

It should be a very entertaining match to watch with the MLS’ best taking on one of the best clubs in the world.

Last year, Arsenal took down the All-Stars 2-1, but the MLS has been rather successful the past few years against European sides, winning three of four between 2012 and 2015.

Next: OFFICIAL: Santiago Bernabeu Trophy to be played on August 23rd

Stay tuned to The Real Champs for coverage of the match and more news!