Real Madrid pre-season 2012-2013: Schedule

Real Madrid is closing its pre-season. It will begin with two matches in Europe and will continue with the usual U.S.A. Tour. In the 2012-2013 pre-season Real Madrid will not return to China.

Real Madrid during pre-season 2011-2012

EUROPE (& AFRICA)

On July 15, Real Madrid will kick off the 2012-13 season. Jose Mourinho has summoned his workforce in Valdebebas Sports City that day, at least to those players who do not play the Eurocup 2012. The white players will pass the medical examination to face almost two weeks of hard work and trainings.

In this first stage of the pre-season, whites will visit Morocco. Will be on July 24 and Real Madrid will play a friendly match at the new Grand Stadium of Tangiers against Moghreb Athletic Tetouan (MAT), which has just been proclaimed, for the first time ever, champions of the Moroccan First division football.

Then, the second pre-season game would be against Benfica on July 27, attending the Eusebio Cup. The team will travel to Lisbon to visit the country of the coach Jose Mourinho and some of the players in the squad as Cristiano Ronaldo. It will be a short travel that will not disturb the training pace reached at Valdebebas Sports City in Madrid.

UNITES STATES OF AMERICA

After the two friendlies in Morocco and Portugal, Real Madrid will go back to Los Angeles to begin the U.S.A. Tour. There white team will play its third friendly on August 2 against Los Angeles Galaxy. The game against the Galaxy, which is framed in the World Challenge tournament (with Chelsea, Liverpool, Milan, PSG, Toronto and Seattle Sounders), will be the fourth match between the Galaxy and Real Madrid. The first was just at the Home Depot Center in 2005 (Beckham was active in the Real Madrid), and ended with a 2-0, Madrid victory . After, at the Rose Bowl in 2010, Mourinho's team won 3-2, in his first summer as a coach. Last year, at Memorial Coliseum, Real Madrid won again (4-1).

Real Madrid and Juventus will play on August 5 in Las Vegas one of the most attractive friendly matches of next summer. Both clubs have achieved the league in Spain and Italy. The match between whites and 'bianconeri' will be played aat the Sam Boyd Stadium, a football field with a capacity of nearly 40,000 spectators.

Finally, Real Madrid will face Milan on August 8, at New York. The two teams which have won more European Cups would play in the modern Yankee Stadium (not confirmed), built in 2009 and home of the New York Yankees. Turned into a football field it has capacity for 54,200 spectators. This will be the third summer friendly match that Real Madrid would play in its U.S.A. tour.

The MLS (Major League Soccer) has also announced a friendly against Celtic on August 11 in Philadelphia, but from the white club has not yet been confirmed. Apparently the Scottish team has scheduling problems and is looking for a solution.

After returning to Europe is possible that Real Madrid does not go out from Spain to play another friendly match. The Spanish league begins on August 19 and before the white team has to play the Spanish Super Cup against Barcelona (22 and 29 August). So Real Madrid will try to play the Bernabeu Trophy 2012 just returned from the U.S.A. tour.

SCHEDULE

• 07/24- Athletic Tetouan - Real Madrid (Tangiers, Morocco)
• 07/27- Benfica - Real Madrid (Lisbon, Portugal)
• 08/02- Los Angeles Galaxy - Real Madrid (Los Angeles, U.S.A.)
• 08/05- Juventus - Real Madrid (Las Vegas, U.S.A.)
• 08/08- Milan - Real Madrid (New York, U.S.A.)
• 08/11- Celtic - Real Madrid (Philladelphia, U.S.A) -Not Confirmed-

Bernabeu Trophy 2012 will be played in late September

Since the first edition of the Santiago Bernabeu Trophy that was held in 1979, Real Madrid has tried to play this friendly match (with special meaning) in late August or early September with the idea that it was an official presentation of the new team to the fans. In its history, the tournament has only been moved from that time on three occasions: in 2002, the centennial year, the trophy was held from 2 to 4 August (Bayern Munchen won), in 2003 when it was played on September 23, Real Madrid won against River 3-1, and in 2007, when the match was moved to December 5. This Trophy was scheduled for August 28 but had to be canceled after the tragic death of Antonio Puerta (Sevilla player) and there were no dates to play it before Christmas. Even the opponent was changed; Partizan Belgrade instead of Sporting of Portugal.

Real Madrid won the Bernabeu Trophy 2011

Real Madrid faces this year with the same problem of lack of dates to place the trophy against Millionarios team. The first available date is around 25 or 26 September. The problem is that Real Madrid has its final preseason game in the United States on August 11. And after that, the Spanish Football Federation has hired a friendly against Puerto Rico (FIFA ranking 138) on August 15. And this match has to be played in Puerto Rico, in Bayamon. The Spanish league, if confirmed the timetable proposed by the LFP (Professional Football League), will begin on August 18. And then, the Spanish Super Cup, two FIFA dates for national teams and the Champions League beginnig. So the BernabeuTrophy will be postponed until late September (25 or 26). Barcelona has the same problem, but does not tour (play its final friendly match on August 8 against Manchester City), and thinks about move the Gamoer Trophy to the 12th of the month. Also has two Mondays (20 or 27), two days before the first and second leg of the Spanish Super Cup, respectively

Real Madrid has played 33 editions of the Bernabeu Trophy. Among the summer trophies which still exist, there are few with more editions played: Teresa Herrera (66), Emma Cuervo de Ribadeo (60), Carranza (57), Fiesta de Elche (56), Concepción Arenal de Ferrol and Luis Otero Pontevedra (52), Colombino (47), Gamper (46), Ciity of Vigo and Zaragoza (41), Naranja Trophy (40) and City of Barcelona (37). Real Madrid wants to take care of its important trophy. Others, like the mythical City of Madrid (which was organized by Atletico), Villa de Bilbao, Iberian Badajoz, Costa del Sol, Euskadi-Asergace or City of La Linea have already disappeared.

2012 Heart Classic Match: Real Madrid 3 - 2 Man. United

Long ago that Santiago Bernabeu stadium is a theme park for all ages and a necessary scenary for football purists. The new times have become a gateway with a permanent exhibition of world stars each season: Now, Cristiano Ronaldo, Casillas, Benzema ... But almost more excited is a retrospective as the Heart Classic Match. First, in substance. A good amount of money that is already traveling to Africa, the essentials. And then, to get the merger of times, to make possible the impossible starting line ups. By mixing Butragueño with Zidane to dribbling the enemies. Or to fantasize about what would have been Santillana with a Golden Ball as Figo on the right.

Zinedine Zidane: Heart Classic Match 2012

All this only happens in a game for nostalgia in which only was missed a goal from Raul, Del Bosque or Ferguson, occupants of the bench in those duels at the end and beginning of the century that were always white: In 2000 by the genius of Vincente Del Bosque who optimized an inferior team in football but with a top player in each line: Casillas, Hierro, Redondo and insatiable Raul. Del Bosque showed in that qualifying round that he was much more than an emergency coach for Real Madrid . And then in 2003, a perfect team that was the envy of Europe with a devastating Ronaldo. A team that was a storm at Old Trafford only stopped by injuries, bad luck and Nedved in Turin that ended Hierro and Del Bosque's time in white team.

The audience had fun. The topic always invited to write that some players are still to play, but have to admit that all of them have spent their time (although in the case of Zidane this would be an interesting discussion). Even so, more than 60,000 people gathered at the Bernabeu and they had a great time. They could enjoy the Zidane's supreme class (played almost the entire game), the magic of Butragueño, a couple of terrific shots by Roberto Carlos, Morientes' goal instinct (who scored the 1-0) and Figo's touch of ball (author of 2-1).

Because some things never change. Chendo's discipline, unable to exit the script as a delegate or in a friendly match, or the protective arms and individual technique of Redondo. Neither in Real Madrid nor Manchester, few players have played like Andy Cole, always looking for a goal, the pearl of Newcastle that Ferguson stole. Also was Yorke, who played in midfield, where he finished his career just playing the World Cup with Trinidad and Tobago. Or Lee Sharpe, good provider in the Cantona's United who coincided with the start of the Premier and yesterday scored the first goal of a Manchester United that had merit, because Keane could not attend the match and had just 14 players to deal with three generations of white idols. And fought until the 3-2 and breathed in the 82nd minute when Zinedine Zidane left the field. They say that many, including Florentino Perez, went into a fit of melancholy and ran to see the entire video collection of the French player. Yes, could say that Zizou will be immortal.

Just about football, Fernando Morientes netted the opener from a lobbed shot on the six-minute mark and Manchester United responded through a Lee Sharp header following a Cole turn and assist in the box. Both sides had several chances to score until Real netted a second from a spectacular shot by Figo right outside the box after receiving the ball from Zidane (11’). There were no more strikes in the first half, but the audience did get to see impossible passes and dribbles that got them off their seats.

Manchester United wanted to turn the score around after half-time and Real looked to increase their lead. Santillana hit the crossbar in the 51st minute following a Roberto Carlos gallop down the left wing and Van der Sar made a spectacular save when Figo tried to tally another strike (55').

The Reds were awarded a penalty after Cole was challenged in the box, but Contreras saved Sheringham's shot (67’) and Redondo scored a masterful strike two minutes later after dribbling past two defenders. Sheringham got rid of the bitter aftertaste of missing the penalty with a beautiful lobbed goal that made the match become more intense and exciting until it was over.

Summary

Stadium: Santiago Bernabeu
Attendance: 60,000
Goals:1-0: Morientes (7'). 1-1: Lee Sharpe (9'). 2-1: Figo (11'). 3-1: Redondo (69'). 3-2: Sheringham (79').

Real Madrid vs Athletic Tetouan: Pre-season 2012-2013

Real Madrid have closed a new pre-season 2012-2013 friendly which will also be the debut of the white team in the next season. Will be on July 24 at the new Grand Stadium of Tangiers against Moghreb Athletic Tetouan (MAT), which has just been proclaimed, for the first time ever, champions of the Moroccan First division football.

Jose Mourinho

Jose Mourinho has summoned his workforce in Valdebebas Sports City on July 15, at least to those who do not play the Eurocup 2012. In principle, the first pre-season game would be against Benfica on 27 July attending the Eusebio Cup, but white players will have a trip to Morocco soon after the holidays.

Real Madrid has virtually closed the pre-season. As happened last year, the trainings are aimed at reaching the best physical condition to face the Super Cup that will have to play against FC Barcelona. This time the first leg will be at the Nou Camp on August 22 and the second at the Santiago Bernabeu on August 29.

After the two friendlies in Morocco and Portugal, Real Madrid will go back to Los Angeles where white team will play its third friendly on August 2 against Los Angeles Galaxy. Real Madrid has confirmed two more friendlies in the U.S.A.: August 5 in Las Vegas against Juventus and 8 in New York against Milan. The MLS (Major League Soccer) has also announced a friendly against Celtic on August 11 in Philadelphia, but from the white club has not yet been confirmed. Back in Spain, Madrid will prepare the Spanish Super Cup in Valdebebas.

Roberto Carlos will play the Heart Classic Match 2012

This Sunday will be a very special day for all Real Madrid fans. In the morning, 5,000 club members will visit Valdebebas Sport City for their annual meeting. The 32nd League Championship (with all imaginable records) and the brilliant return of Castilla to Second Division will be celebrated for a long. And in the afternoon, from 7:15 pm (CET) the Bernabeu stadium will host the third annual Heart Classic Match. The Real Madrid vs Manchester United (former players) is really interesting for the fans, who has already bought 45,000 tickets.

But the pace of sales will accelerate from now when people know that Roberto Carlos will reappear on Sunday dressed in white. He will start against the Old Red Devils and will see as his dream of playing again at the Bernabeu comes true. With all the supporters that idolized him for eleven years (1996-2007).

Roberto Carlos at the Santiago Bernabeu trophy room

Do not forget that Brazilian player did not leave Real Madrid as he had wanted. He was a hero of the 30th Spanish League title. In the last match of the season, he started against Mallorca (3-1), had an incredible performance, then put himself the Brazilian flag stuffing his small and muscular body, and said goodbye to the fans who adore him: "I leave with mixed feelings, but I am happy for the fans. They deserve it." Five years later, the club has put together a tribute that will help fill the stands at the Bernabeu. This Sunday will be sung his name as so many times.

Roberto Carlos left five years ago, but has always been emotionally linked with Real Madrid. With Florentino Perez has always had good relationship, as evidenced by the tribute that the president organised on last February 12. On that occasion, on the visit of Levante in a league match, invited Roberto Carlos to the field and the player made the honour kick-off.

On the other hand, Sunday's game will allow us to see historical stars as Butragueño, Sanchis, Buyo, Martin Vazquez, Fernando Redondo and Santillana. The match with the old glories of Manchester United has an added incentive because it will allow us to enjoy some players of the team of Glasgow, which won the last Champions League that has been dyed white: the Ninth.

Zidane, Figo, Roberto Carlos, Morientes, Helguera and Fernando Hierro. The six are cited for the match on Sunday. Only five players from the starting lineup that beat Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 will miss the match: Cesar (has played this season for Villarreal), Salgado (Blackburn), Solari (has approved the first part of coaching course and is a columnist for a Spanish daily), Makelele (assistant of Ancelotti in PSG) and Raul, who just signed by Al Sadd and will not play the Classic Match until he hangs up the boots.

Heart Classic Match will have another surprise on the field. Pierluigi Collina will be in charge of leading the match. The Italian referee, retired (left the competition in 2005), currently holds the post of head of UEFA's arbitration. Icon both on and off the field, was named by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS), the best referee in the last quarter century (1987-2011).

Heart Classic Match 2012: Real Madrid vs Manchester United

Last year were raised over 500,000 euros with the Heart Classic Match 2011 to create 20 schools in Africa. This year the donation may be even greater because with10 days remaining, Real Madrid has already sold 30,000 tickets for this third edition. The match will be played for the veterans of Real Madrid and Manchester United. The tickets are for sale with prices from 5, 10 and 15 euros. And the match will be held on Sunday, June 3 (7:15 pm -CET-).

Heart Classic Match 2011: Real Madrid vs Bayern Munchen

The attraction of this event is to see again the legends of the white team in the Bernabeu stadium and with an affordable price. A family party to see again in action, among others, Zidane (who seems to still active), Figo (with his dribblings), Redondo (who could recall the unforgettable heel touch at Old Trafford in 2000), Butragueño (with his intact eye for goal), Helguera (who runs marathons), Hierro (will return to the Bernabeu), Morientes (forward in the last three Champions titles) or Karanka (sometimes plays as defender in first team trainings). Opposite will be Van der Sar (recently retired), Roy Keane (legendary captain, who played two rounds of the Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid in 2000 and 2003) the couple of strikers Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke (that led United to win the treble in 1999) and Bryan Robson, Stam, Sheringham and Sharp among those confirmed. And with Bobby Charlton, one of the plane crash survivors in 1958 and the most illustrious representative of Manchester United as ambassador.

The Real Madrid Foundation, with the institutional support of the City of Madrid, will use the benefits of this match to 'Project Africa' for the second consecutive year. The two previous editions were a success: 75,523 spectators against Milan (2010) and 73,104 against Bayern (2011). A match also to be seen by half the world: UK, Germany, Italy, Cyprus, Scandinavia, USA, Australia and much of the Middle East through Al Jazeera.

Kuwait 1 - 2 Real Madrid (Friendly match)

Football with nothing at stake is quite like a gym exercise and offers the same stimulations that dancing with a coat hanger. No rubbing, no reward, nor consequence for the future. This, or similar, was what Real Madrid felt in Kuwait. The match, the last before the holidays (the number 59 after first official match in the Spanish Super Cup), only was a challenge for the honor. The instructions were; no injuries or cause them by excess. And the target was met. All happy then, guests and hosts.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored the second goal of the Real Madrid

Who contributed most to the show was Cristiano Ronaldo, what is far from new. For him up to the rubber ducks are hunting pieces. The competitive gene is integral to his being. And this thing is appreciated, especially in games like yesterday, permanently threatened by drowsiness. Cristiano gave to the enthusiastic fans spectacular dribblings, cow tails and a headed goal. Looked he went to fly over one of the funds of Kaifan Stadium. With this goal he has achieved 68 this season with Real Madrid (60 of them in official matches).

Mourinho said in the pre-match press conference that Real Madrid were not doing tourism in Kuwait and proved it yesterday's evening. He used a lineup with changes in the defensive half, but using heavy guns Ozil, Di Maria, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in the first half. Ozil put the local goalkeeper to the test with a powerful shot on the 7-minute mark. Cristiano Ronaldo was the team's most active player in the opening minutes and hit the crossbar from a free-kick early in the game (9').

Mourinho made Callejon come on for Benzema on the 22-minute mark and Di Maria scored the opener four minutes later with a left footed shot from outside the box. Cristiano Ronaldo later scored the team's second goal by heading in a solid cross into the box by Altintop (31').

Nine different players joined forces with Callejon and Altintop after half-time and Real continued dominating the encounter while Kuwait tried to create danger in counterattacks. The locals also made changes and improved their game, forcing Casillas to clear three shots before the end of the clash.

Summary

Stadium: Kaifan Stadium
Attendance: 18,500
Goals: 0-1, min. 26: Di Maria; 0-2, min. 31: Cristiano