Real Madrid to play AC Milan in Dubai this December

The 2014 UEFA Champions League 2013/14 winner Real Madrid will face 18-time international titles winner AC Milan in the ‘Dubai Football Challenge’; a friendly match set to take place at The Sevens Stadium in the emirate on Tuesday, December 30, Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) and Emirates Airline announced  at a press conference.

Topping off what has been a blockbuster year of football, the two Emirates Airline sponsored clubs, will bring their star players to the UAE for the thrilling match in front of a crowd of 40,000.

Two of the European club’s legendary ex-players and Ambassadors - Franco Baresi of AC Milan and Emilio Butragueno of Real Madrid – spoke of their respective club’s excitement to be playing in front of their fans in the Middle East.

Tickets, which are now on sale at Virgin Megastore and Time Out outlets, from Dh200.

Hamad Mohammed Bin Mejren, Executive Director of Dubai Convention and Events Bureau at DTCM, a coordinating partner of the Dubai Football Challenge, 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. With this in mind, it’s clear that Dubai is fast-becoming a global destination for sporting events and the 30th December is a very exciting date for the city."

Sheikh Majid Al Mualla, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice-President, Commercial Operations, Centre, said, "Emirates is pleased to be working with DTCM to bring two of our major sports sponsorship partners, and two of the biggest football clubs in the world, to our home city for the Dubai Football Challenge.

“By working with clubs, teams and events around the world we are able to connect fans with their passions; whether football, rugby or horse racing and we are now able to do this for our customers here in the UAE in December.

“We are sure fans will be thrilled by the display of footballing skills and for the opportunity to see some of the world’s best players here in Dubai."

One of the city’s world-class sporting venues, The Sevens Stadium is well-equipped to serve the 40,000 football enthusiasts expected to descend on 30th December to see the footballing giants in play.

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