Real Madrid vs AS Roma 08/08/18

8 August 2018

Real Madrid prepare themselves for the return to Europe, as they look to face off against Roma at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, in what is going to be their final match at this summer’s International Champions Cup. Los Blancos started the preparation campaign a bit late after yet another impressive season in which they captured their third successive Champions League title. After a 2-1 loss to Manchester United in their opening summer friendly, Julen Lopetegui’s team recorded a stunning 3-1 win over Juventus, with Marco Asensio founding the back of the net two times in the second half to bring Lopetegui his first victory on the bench of the famous club. However, a match against another Italian side is going to be far more difficult, as Roma will have all of their players ready for the encounter, unlike the Old Lady that lacked vast majority of their key players. On the other hand, the Yellow and Reds are already in the late stage of their preparations, as they have been involved in two low-quality friendlies against Latina and Avellino before making the trip the United States where they played against Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona at the ICC. Eusebio Di Francesco’s team suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to the Spurs in their first match in the USA, but they have managed to recover and secure an outstanding 4-2 win over the Blaugrana although they have been trailing the Catalan giants by a goal since the 49th minute.

Real Madrid will be decimated for the absences of Sergio Ramos, Varane, Marcelo, Luka Modric, and Casemiro, while Roma should enter the game at full strength.