The Real Madrid vs Al Sadd friendly match will take place this Thursday, August 22, 2013 (1:30 PM Pacific) at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. This match will be the 35th edition of the Santiago Bernabeu Trophy, however, the biggest focus of the game will be the return of Raul Gonzalez. This trophy match is a tradition, but also one which allow Al Sadd to obtain form prior to the start of their league; the ‘galacticos’ will use this game to give the alternate players some game time just when La Liga is about to hit its second week.
The famed 36 year old Spanish striker, Raul, has played in three different teams during his outstanding 19 year career. Before playing for Al Sadd, he was an important figure at Schalke 04, but his real success, fame, and story was made with Real Madrid. Raul was formed in Real Madrid’s youth system, and professionally he played in over 741 games, and scored more than 323 goals. The idol will return home, at least for a day, but he will be Thursday game’s real focal point.
The Santiago Bernabeu Trophy was first played in 1979. Since then, Real Madrid has won the trophy a total of 23 times. Against Al Sadd, Carlo Ancelotti’s team will have a good opportunity to defeat what on paper is a much inferior team. Starting players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Ozil, and Angel Di Maria should see limited playing time in order to give bench, and alternate players needed playing time at the start of their season.
Real Madrid vs Al Sadd Prediction
The Real Madrid vs Al Sadd match will be a great match not because of the quality between the two clubs, but because the fans will be able to see on of their greatest idols from all time – Raul Gonzalez. This match will have Real Madrid dominate the pitch, and they will come out victorious by a good margin of goals. Al Sadd will lose, but expect Raul to score one memorable goal. The Real Madrid vs Al Sadd match will end in a 4-1 win for the home team.
Real Madrid vs Al Sadd TV Schedule
The Real Madrid vs Al Sadd match will be televised this Thursday, August 22, 2013 on beIn Sport at 1:30 PM Pacific.
