Some of the biggest clubs in world football have descended on our shores and will be in action over the weekend – here’s your guide to the action.
The International Champions Cup will see Real Madrid, Manchester City and AS Roma play each other in Melbourne, while Liverpool return to Australia for the second time in two years to play A-League opposition.
Manchester City have already had a hit out against Adelaide United behind closed doors and will fine-tune their formation against sister-club Melbourne City on the Gold Coast.
Match Details
Liverpool FC v Brisbane Roar
Suncorp Stadium, Friday 17 July, 6:45 kick-off (AEST)
Live on Channel Nine’s GO! and ABC Radio
Having played in front of over 95,000 fans at the MCG in 2013, the Reds will play three-time Hyundai A-League champions Brisbane Roar at a packed Suncorp Stadium. Brendan Rogers’ squad has already claimed a 4-0 win against a Thai All-Star side on their pre-season tour and while they’ll be without Raheem Sterling their squad still has plenty of star power.
Manchester City v Melbourne City
Cbus Super Stadium, Saturday 18 July, 5pm kick-off (AEST)
Live on Fox Sports 503
The Citizens kicked off their tour Down Under with a 2-0 win over Adelaide United behind closed doors on Wednesday afternoon. This clash will be the first chance for fans to see Manuel Pelligrini’s side in action as they take on sister-club Manchester City. The captains and coaches addressed the media on Friday, with both clubs indicating their stars would all get a run.
Real Madrid v AS Roma
Melbourne Cricket Ground, Saturday 18 July, 7pm kick-off (AEST)
Live on Channel Nine’s GEM
The first of three International Champions Cup clashes will see Spanish giants Real Madrid play Serie A powerhouse AS Roma. The match will be the first game in charge for new manager Rafael Benitez, while Socceroo Daniel De Silva could make his debut for his new club.
Liverpool FC v Adelaide United
Adelaide Oval, Monday 20 July, 7pm kick-off (AEST)
Live on Channel Nine’s GO! and ABC Radio
Liverpool’s famous “You’ll Never Walk Alone” anthem will ring out in the City of Churches as the Reds play their Aussie namesake in front of another packed house. Josep Gombau has promised to stay true to his attacking philosophy as his side try to cause an upset, having already come close to upsetting Spanish side Villarreal in the off-season.
AS Roma v Manchester City
Melbourne Cricket Ground, Tuesday 21 July, 8pm kick-off (AEST)
Live on Channel Nine’s GEM
The Seria A and Premier League giants will renew acquaintances after squaring off in the Group Stage of last season’s UEFA Champions League. The last time the sides met City claimed a 2-0 win at Stadio Olimpico to progress to Round of 16 after they’d played out a 1-1 result at Etihad Stadium. City striker Edin Dzeko has been linked with a move to the Italian side during the off-season and the match could be the perfect chance to impress his prospective employers.
Manchester City v Real Madrid
Melbourne Cricket Ground, Friday 24 July, 8pm kick-off (AEST)
Live on Channel Nine’s GEM
The four-time English champions will be playing their fourth and final match in Australia against the 10-time Champions League winners in front of another packed house at the MCG. Although this is just another pre-season friendly no doubt City manager Manuel Pellegrini will be keen to get one over his former club.
