What’s On has details of Real Madrid v AC Milan in Dubai at the Sevens Stadium on December 30. Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale are likely to feature.


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What’s On announces that Real Madrid will play AC Milan in a special one-off match at Dubai Sevens Stadium on December 30.

The match between the two most successful club football teams in European football is the biggest single fixture of its kind to take place in the UAE, and will showcase a selection of some of the planet’s best players, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez, Fernando Torres and Keisuke Honda.

Around 40,000 tickets are on sale now from Virgin Megastores around the UAE, priced at Dhs200. They are expected to sell out in record time.

The announcement was made this morning by legends of the game Franco Baresi and Emilio Butragueno.

“It is a fantastic opportunity for our club,” said Butragueno, who played for the Spanish giants for more than a decade.

The match, known as the Dubai Football Challenge, comes one year after the Spanish outfit played out a 0-0 draw with French champions Paris St German in horrendous weather conditions in Qatar.

Baresi, a legendary defender who spent his entire career with the Rossoneri, added: “This will be the last game of our winter training camp. We are delighted to come back as we know we always get a warm welcome.”

 

Organisers also revealed there would be scheduled training sessions for both teams, adding: “It is not our only objective, the game, but we want the teams to have a beneficial and successful time in Dubai.”

A spokesman for DTCM, who are partnering with Emirates to bring the two teams to the event, said: “Welcoming footballing giants Real Madrid and AC Milan to Dubai marks a truly magnificent end to what has been a fantastic year for football. Thanks to the World Cup, we have seen the obsession with the beautiful game hit fever pitch amongst locals, expats and visitors alike, so it’s the perfect time to bring this world-class match to the emirate.

“Not only has 2014 been a record year for football, but also for our city, which is both honoured and incredibly proud to be playing host to Real Madrid and AC Milan. Of course, the Emirate is no stranger to welcoming such momentous sporting events; already hosting some of the world’s largest tournaments. December 30 will be a very exciting date for the city.”

Butragueno was asked about the news earlier this month that Real Madrid were locked in discussions over a change of their iconic stadium to the Santiago Bernabeu to the Abu Dhabi Bernabeu. He, however, refused to comment.

Tickets range from Dhs200 to Dhs1,500. Order yours via Virgin Megastore.