El Clasico comes to the stadium with the world’s largest jumbotron, as it’s FC Barcelona versus Real Madrid at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. Yes, this unfriendliest of friendlies is going to get a Texas sized treatment, as it even has a second brand name- the Soccer Champions Tour.
And as you might have heard, some guy who is high up at the Catalan Club (not going to use his name and title because more attention is what he always wants) recently said publicly that his side is much better than Madrid. I guess here is a chance to back up that up (Sort of, as this is an exhibition).
El Clasico FYIs
Club Friendly: Real Madrid vs FC Barcelona
Kickoff: Sat July 29, 4pm CST, AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX, USA
FC Barcelona Preview Material: Team News Starting XI Prediction
Real Madrid Preview Material: Team News Starting XI Prediction
Watch: ESPN+
Transatlantic Passage: How the Premier League Redefined Soccer in America: LINK
FC Barcelona Team News
Alejandro Balde was fit enough to feature in the second half of last night’s high-scoring and utterly feisty 5-3 loss to Arsenal in Los Angeles. He’s in contention to start here. The news is not as good for summer signing Inigo Martinez, who is still yet to make his Barca debut.
It won’t come here either, as he’s still battling a foot problem.
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He’s written for numerous publications, including the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. He regularly appears on NTD News and WGN News Now. Follow the website on Twitter and Instagram.