May 19, 2011
Coming Attraction: The Philadelphia Union To Play Spanish Soccer Powerhouse Real Madrid At Lincoln Financial Field On Saturday, July 23
Soccer fans in Philadelphia are getting spoiled: last year the Union played Manchester United at the Linc; this year it will be Real Madrid. (Photos courtesy Philadelphia Eagles and Philadelphia Union)
The Philadelphia Union announced today that Lincoln Financial Field will host a first-ever match between the Union and Spanish soccer powerhouse Real Madrid C.F. on Saturday, July 23 as part of the 2011 Herbalife World Football Challenge.
“Lincoln Financial Field has once again attracted one of the world’s greatest soccer clubs to Philadelphia, hosting its 10th international match since 2003,” said Joe Banner, president of the Philadelphia Eagles. “We’re excited that fans in Philadelphia will have the opportunity to see the Union square off against Real Madrid.”
The Union will square off against Real Madrid in a match Saturday, July 23 beginning at 9 p.m. Voted by FIFA as the best European club of the 20th century, Real Madrid C.F. have won a record nine UEFA Champions Leagues and 31 La Liga titles, 18 Spanish Copa del Rey Cups, eight Spanish Super Cups, two UEFA Cups, one UEFA Supercup and three Intercontinental Cups. Real Madrid defeated their archrival F.C. Barcelona 1-0 in overtime to win their 18th Copa del Rey on April 20.
“Hosting Real Madrid provides another opportunity to showcase Philadelphia to the world,” said Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter. “Philadelphia is a global tourist destination, thanks in part to the success of excellent city venues such as Lincoln Financial Field. We could not be more excited for our city.”
Madrid boasts some of the world’s top stars, including reigning FIFA World Cup champions Iker Casillas, Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos, as well as internationals Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaká, Mesut Özil, Karim Benzema and Emmanuel Adebayor.
Ronaldo recently became just the second player in Spanish football history to score 50 goals in a season when he accomplished the feat against Villarreal on May 14, 2011. With 38 of his 51 goals coming in league play, he only needs one more to break the all-time La Liga record, which he currently shares with Hugo Sánchez and Telmo Zarra.
Tickets will be available to the general public beginning Wednesday, June 1 at 10:00 a.m. EST through PhiladelphiaEagles.com, PhiladelphiaUnion.com, Ticketmaster.com and by phone at 800-745-3000.
Philadelphia Union vs. Real Madrid
When: Saturday, July 23 at 9 p.m.
Where: Lincoln Financial Field
More info: www.philadelphiaunion.com
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