Real Madrid will play their first match of the International Champions Cup against Manchester United as part of their pre-season tour. Here’s a look at the details and everything you need to know.
Ladies and gentleman, the wait is finally over, the moment we have all been waiting for, Real Madrid back in action. The last time Los Blancos took to the pitch was in Kiev for the Champions League Final. That match was held on May 26 which was 2 months and 5 days ago, or 66 days to to be exact. What is really such a short time felt like forever, and in that window, a lot has changed.
Talisman Cristiano Ronaldo has departed from the Capital and taken his talents to Juventus in the Serie A. Florentino Perez has locked down some big name youngsters while securing another right back in Alvaro Odriozola. But, Madrid has yet to sign a big name player as yet, to replace Cristiano Ronaldo. Julen Lopotegui though seems to be content with his squad and believes they can still get the job done.
The Match
This will be Real Madrid’s first of three games in the International Champions Cup. Last August Los Blancos took on the Red Devil’s in the UEFA Super Cup where they claimed victorious once again. While that was a professional match and this is a friendly, Madrid won’t be taking the match lightly.
🙌🇺🇸 ¡Tenemos muchas ganas de nuestro primer amistoso del #RMTour 2018! ¿Dónde verás el partido contra el @ManUtd_Es? #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/3tMpkxSmbt
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) July 31, 2018
Starting off the season on the right foot is always important, the habits the squad creates now will determine their success or failure down the line. With a new manager in place, there is a lot of speculations surrounding what the starting line up may be.
With 2018 being a World Cup Year some of the first-team may play limited minutes due to international duty. While it may not be the sight everyone wants, it will certainly be a joy to see the younger talent.
First Look
Tonight’s match with be a first look of at Real Madrid without CR7. The number 7 has been a part of the squad for the last 9 seasons, and not having him there changes a lot. For the majority of his time at the club, this squad selection and tactics were calculated with him as the constant. Now the formula must be derived again as Julen has plenty of variables to factor.
Rumour has it that Julen will use this opportunity to let new signing Vinicius Jr. pick up some minutes. The Brazilian winger has been very impressive in training showing off great touch and pace. This match along with the rest of the pre-season will determine whether the winger will remain with the squad for the duration of the season or be sent out on loan.
Alvaro Odriozola may also be handed some minutes in place of Dani Carvajal to show off what he’s got. The right-back was a hot prospect for Madrid and has been on their radar for some time now. Today’s game will be a match full of firsts. With a new manager and a very young squad, the possibilities are inevitable.