Real Madrid’s preseason schedule confirmed in the International Champions Cup
Real Madrid will participate in the International Champions Cup once again as part of their preseason. Here’s a look at the matches, dates, and venues.
The ICC is a friendly competition taking place in the United States this summer before league play kicks off. The competition has grown over the past few years with more teams being included. One that has remained consistent for obvious reasons is, of course, Real Madrid.
Real Madrid will once again travel to the U.S. for three friendly fixtures. In recent years, the club has made stops in major cities in Canada as well, hosting practices before making their way south. While their practice and open sessions have not yet been released, the matches and times are known.
Earlier last week, the International Champions Cup held a press event at the prestigious Fontainebleau hotel in Miami, Florida. Former Real Madrid defender Alvaro Arbeloa was invited to the press release as an ambassador of the club to speak about his former team and the competition.
Hoy ha sido la presentación de la @IntChampionsCup que nos enfrentará a @ManUtd_Es, @juventusfc y @OfficialASRoma . 🏆
— Álvaro Arbeloa (@aarbeloa17) April 17, 2018
Un placer coincidir con grandes leyendas y excompañeros. pic.twitter.com/SxmYNOcE01
The event was live streamed via Facebook, but with plenty of fans anxious to see where teams were playing, the stream crashed numerous times. Nonetheless, the important information was posted to their website. Real Madrid will face off against Manchester United, Juventus, and Roma. While there is no repeat of last years ever so enticing El Clasico in Miami, there are an array of fixtures that will excite fans.
🏆🇺🇸⚽ Volvemos a Estados Unidos este verano... ¡Y ya tenemos el calendario de la @IntChampionsCup! #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/uauXbAE5cJ
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) April 17, 2018
Manchester United
The last time these two teams met was in the Super Cup last year at the Philip II Arena in Macedonia. Madrid dominated the match on the stat sheet with goals from Casemiro and Isco and won 2-1. Of course, every meeting between these two clubs is special for former Red Devil, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Juventus
While the Manchester United match is one of sentiment given the history of Cristiano Ronaldo and Jose Mourinho, a fixture against the Italian giants will be much anticipated. Madrid played against Juventus in the Champions League Final in Cardiff last year and in the quarterfinals of this year’s UCL. With Real getting the better of Juventus twice in a row now, Juve will be looking to flex their muscles even if it is a friendly.
Roma
Real Madrid has only ever met Roma in the Champions League with no recent friendlies between the two teams. Their last encounter against Roma was in the Round of 16 in the 2015-2016 Champions League.
Real Madrid blew past their opponents with a 4-0 scoreline on aggregate. This game does not hold much in terms of bragging rights, but you can be sure that Real Madrid will want to close out their preseason in the ICC with three wins.
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Conclusion
Tickets will be going on sale to the general public on May 1, 2018, with a pre-sale happening on April 24, 2018. This year matches will be a joy to watch for Madrid fans especially for those who live in North America and are able to watch live.
With it being a World Cup year though, there is no guarantee that certain players will travel with the team or play as their priority will be the 2018-2019 campaign.