Real Madrid and Barcelona square off in a rare overseas Clasico while Manchester United and Manchester City meet for the first time outside Britain as the world’s top clubs strive to optimise their pre-season preparations
Real Madrid. Pic/AFP
Real Madrid and Barcelona square off in a rare overseas Clasico while Manchester United and Manchester City meet for the first time outside Britain as the world’s top clubs strive to optimise their pre-season preparations.
ADVERTISEMENT
Pre-season tours have grown significantly in importance over the past decade as teams promote their brand visibility. Asia, Australia and the United States are popular destinations, but there is more to these trips than simply pitching up and kicking a ball.
European champions Real will play arch-rivals Barcelona in Miami on July 29 — the first Clasico held outside Spain since 1982 in Venezuela. AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund kick off the International Champions Cup (ICC) in Guangzhou, China, on July 18, the first of 19 matches in a pre-season tournament featuring several of Europe's top clubs spread across three countries.
Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich then meet Arsenal in Shanghai before the Gunners take on Premier League champions Chelsea in Beijing. Chelsea, Bayern and Inter Milan will also visit Singapore, but the bulk of the fixtures take place Stateside where United play City on July 20th in Houston.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
