Treat for fans as city hosts Euro giants
Print Edition
FANS can look forward to a feast of soccer later this month and in early August when a host of top-tier European clubs arrive in Shanghai for pre-season fixtures.
Sven-Goran Eriksson and Diego Simeone will match their wits when Shanghai SIPG hosts Atletico Madrid in the Wanda International Football Tournament at Shanghai Stadium on August 4. Simeone, who won 106 caps for Argentina and played in three World Cups, has seen a huge upturn in Atletico’s fortunes since taking over in December 2011.
“We are very excited about playing against Shanghai SIPG, especially as they are managed by Sven-Goran Eriksson, one of my former coaches,” said Simeone, who was a key part of Eriksson’s Lazio side which won the Italian league and cup double in 2000. “SIPG have quickly become one of China’s biggest clubs and I believe this match in Shanghai will be a good test for our players as we prepare for the new season in Spain.”
Under Simeone, Atletico won the Europa League in 2012, the Copa del Rey in 2013 and La Liga in 2014, when it also reached the Champions League final. This year, the team finished third in La Liga behind Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Also, Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid will take on Serie A side AC Milan in an International Champions Cup match at Shanghai Stadium on July 30. Both teams have a huge fan base in China.
Real’s new manager Rafael Benitez is bringing a star-studded squad including Cristiano Ronaldo.
Milan’s city rival Inter will also lineup against Bundesliga champion Bayern Munich on July 21 at the same venue. The German side will be visiting China for the second time.
Tickets for the Bayern-Inter match can be purchased at www.228.com.cn, or on the hotline 4006288288.
The Italian Super Cup will also be staged in Shanghai on August 8 with Seria A and Italian Cup champion Juventus taking on Italian Cup runner-up Lazio.
Shanghai SIPG vice general manager Sun Hao said yesterday that “Atletico Madrid will probably be the strongest team SIPG has ever met.”
“Our players are looking forward to learning from the world’s top club, but also want to win the match. The game has been scheduled in the middle of the Chinese Super League season, which means our players will be in a good form.”
Sun confirmed that SIPG’s new signing Asmoah Gyan will be in the squad.
Dalian-based Wanda Group holds a 20 percent stake in Atletico.
“With our connections with European clubs, we will create chances in the future for top Chinese players to test their skills at world class clubs,” said Wanda vice president Mo Yueming.
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