Two European heavyweights in Real Madrid and AC Milan going head to head Stateside as they gear up for the 24/25 season – a game we were happy to take in for the latest instalment of our ‘Framed’ series.
Real Madrid v AC Milan. Could easily be the lineup for a Champions League final, but as it is it’s just a preseason friendly – ironically Madrid’s first since their Champions League win, and the first of their U.S. tour, which we just happen to be accompanying them on as they take in all that Chicago has to offer. But aside from the pizza and paparazzi, the tour is all about getting up to speed ahead of the coming campaign, and for that they’ve lined up a series of challenging opponents, starting with Italian giants, AC Milan.
The match took place at a packed out Soldier Field in Chicago, a 61,500 capacity multi-purpose stadium near the South Side of the city. Fans were out in force for both sides, taking the rare opportunity to see their heroes in action in the flesh. To make the viewing experience slightly more confusing for the uninitiated though, both Madrid and Milan played in their new away kits, meaning the former were playing in all white – a look more associated with the eponymous Los Blancos.
The game saw the debut of Real Madrid’s new signing, Endrick, of whom great things are expected, but they were without 10 senior players, including Jude Bellingham and the other marquee signing, Kylian Mbappe. The game was a rusty affair, as expected at this stage of preseason, and despite dominating the opening encounters, the Spanish side couldn’t quite find an opening. And in typical football fashion, Madrid were left rueing their missed opportunities, as Samu Chukwueze slotted home in the 55th minute to secure the win.
Next up for Madrid is a Classic encounter against Barcelona on Sunday, while Milan will also play the Catalan club in their next preseason friendly on Wednesday.
Photography by Sharon Lopez for SoccerBible.
