Real Madrid

Real Madrid's preseason has taken shape. A few days after returning to work, Manuel Pellegrini and company head to Dublin for a nine day training camp, which includes the first friendly of the summer against Shamrock Rovers.

Real Madrid will be in Dublin between 13 and 22 July. The friendly against Shamrock Rovers that is scheduled for 20 July will be the first-ever meeting between the two sides and will take place at the new Tallaght Stadium. While the stadium has seating capacity of 3,500, additional seating will be brought in to accomodate 9,000 spectators.

Real Madrid Director General and Presidential Aide, Jorge Valdano is looking forward to the first friendly of the summer. "We are delighted to be travelling to Ireland for this important part of our preseason training.  Our technical staff had considered a number of different locations but we are confident that the exceptional facilities in Carton House, Co. Kildare will provide the perfect environment for our first team squad to prepare for the coming season. We look forward also to the match against Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght Stadium and we know it is a club with a special history and standing in Irish football."

Formed in 1901, Shamrock Rovers are the most succesful club in the history of Irish football. They have won 15 League of Ireland titles and are 24-time FAI Cup winners. They are also the first Irish club to participate in the European Cup, a decision that was made in 1957.