Real's Martin Ødegaard (#41) and Gareth Bale tries to stop Gervinho of AS Roma during their ICC friendly match in Melbourne. (Photo : Reuters)
Spanish League runner-up Real Madrid is set to face Premiere League runner-up Manchester City in the final match of the Australian leg of the 2015 International Champions Cup on Friday, July 24.
In a battle of two of the best football clubs in the world, the fans from down under are about to see a star-studded football match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Real lost a shootout to Italian club AS Roma during its preseason opener last week after a goalless draw in regulation time, 6-7. Malian midfielder Seydou Keita put in the winning goal for i Giallorossi to seal the match.
However, Los Blancos forward Gareth Bale remained confident that his team would do better against City, as per Daily Mail Online.
Meanwhile, Rafa Benítez's boys visited a freestyle football event in Melbourne where some of its players acted as judges and tutors. Bale led the Real contingent in showing some freestyle tips to the participants.
City will open the ICC 2015 against Roma on Tuesday. The Wolves are still upbeat about their win versus the Bernabéu giants and so the Citizens are out to provide a good match for the fans.
Manuel Pellegrini is reportedly intending to field in newcomer Raheem Sterling in both of their friendlies, according to ESPN.
Prediction: A 1-1 score in regular time, but Manchester City will prevail in a shootout. Benítez is not one who takes friendlies seriously as evidenced by Real's lackluster showing against Roma. In addition, Sterling is one of the best up and coming footballers in the world today and he will showcase his skills against the top players of Los Blancos.
Real Madrid starting lineup (4-3-3 formation): Navas; Marcelo, Varane, Ramos, Carvajal; Illaramendi, Odegaard, Modric; Jese, Ronaldo, Bale
Manchester City starting lineup (4-3-3 formation): Hart; Zabaleta, Mangala, Kompany, Kolarov; Fernandinho, Nasri, Touré; Džeko, Agüero, Sterling
