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Once back in training following the off-season, many top soccer clubs travel across the globe playing in exhibition matches to improve player fitness, hone tactics and foster team ethics. The small matters of box-office economics and building a global fanbase are never too far from the equation, either.
This year, Australia gets to sample some world-class action when three of the biggest soccer teams on the planet fly in to Melbourne.
In 2013, Stephen M. Ross and Relevent Sports created the Guinness International Champions Cup (ICC), with a view to pulling together several European sides’ tours into one orchestrated, world class tournament. Eight top clubs, seven from Europe and LA Galaxy, played across the US to packed crowds.
Following the success of the inaugural tournament, 2014’s edition invited even more European and World giants to share the stage. Manchester United were the eventual champions and their route to glory included a record-breaking match against Real Madrid where an incredible 109,318 spectators were in attendance.
At the time, Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal spoke of the “amazing” experience he and his team had in the tournament:
“I was asked why Manchester United are here I gave sporting reasons and great clubs in this tournament and the commercial activities. But I forgot to say that within 14 days we have played for more than 300,000 fans. We also had the chance to meet the American fans of course. These are very good points.”
The ICC has now taken another ambitious step as it goes global. 2015’s edition now includes matches in Australia and China under the tournament umbrella.
Melbourne Cricket Ground will play host to a round robin tournament featuring three of Europe’s biggest soccer teams. Tickets to watch Real Madrid, Manchester City and AS Roma are certain to be hot property as Australia gets ready to witness world-class soccer players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Aguero in action.
Real Madrid will also travel to China to face AC Milan and Inter Milan, whereas North America welcomes Manchester United, FC Barcelona, Chelsea FC, PSG, FC Porto, ACF Fiorentina, Club América, the LA Galaxy, the New York Red Bulls, and the San Jose Earthquakes.
The schedule for Melbourne’s games is:
Saturday 18th July – Real Madrid-v-AS Roma
Tuesday 21st July – AS Roma-v-Manchester City
Friday 24th July – Manchester City-v-Real Madrid