Match Preview

Real Madrid will have their 2nd feature in the 2018 International Champions Cup when they take on Juventus tomorrow night at Fedex Field in Washington, D.C. Real lost 2-1 in their debut friendly against Manchester United in Miami. Juventus are coming off a win in penalty kicks after featuring in the MLS All-Star Game in Atlanta.

This is the first match between the two clubs since Ronaldo’s departure to Turin last month, though he did not make the US tour. They are also without the likes of Dybala and Mandzukic.

Real went with more youth and bench players in the starting squad last match, we may see some more usual starters in the lineup that have made the trip. While still a friendly, it’s another good chance for a majority of the traveling squad to see a good amount of minutes before the new season kicks off.

Injuries/Suspensions

Gareth Bale did go off yesterday in training and sat the rest of the session as a precautionary measure. It seems he will be available against Juventus, whether or not he starts is still a question.

Juventus have no injuries to their traveling squad.

Neither club has any suspensions.

Potential XIs

Real Madrid

Navas; Carvajal, Vallejo, Ramos, Theo; Llorente, Kroos; Isco, Bale, Asensio, Mayoral

Casilla got the start last match, so Navas may be given his first start of the preseason. Carvajal, Ramos, Isco, and Kroos may all be slotted in to get some minutes. Asensio will likely take Vinicius’ place on the left side. Bale may be given another start (if healthy), otherwise Odegaard may start, obviously if there is concern about Bale re-aggravating the injury he should sit. Mayoral could likely start in place of Benzema.

Juventus

Szczesny; De Sciglio, Chiellini, Benatia, Sandro; Khedira, Pjanic, Can; Bernardeschi, Pereira, Favilli

Prediction

2-2 Real Madrid-Juventus

This should be an interesting match, especially if many of the starters on both sides are given the start. While most will only play the first 45 minutes, a lot can happen in that timeframe. Real should be a better side if they give their starters the nod instead of many of the Castilla players.

Fitness levels will also play an aspect into this because this will be Juventus’ 3rd match of the preseason, in which they are also undefeated so far.

Since these match results mean nothing, it’s more important that the fans in attendance and watching from home seeing a good match; though there’s certainly nothing wrong with winning it. And we certainly want to see more than 1 goal scored by Real.

Real Madrid-Juventus is always a great matchup, specifically when it comes to the Champions League, though it will be quite different this year with the loss of Buffon and Ronaldo switching clubs. While the competitiveness won’t be there quite as much in a preseason match, this’ll be another feature in this longstanding European rivalry.