Real Madrid finishes their summer US tour tonight when they face the MLS All-Stars. Los Blancos are coming off a 3-2 loss to arch rivals FC Barcelona last weekend in Miami. Since 2005 -- the first time MLS All-Stars faced a European team -- the All-Stars have won seven and lost five against European opponents. Tonight’s match marks the first time Real Madrid has played in the All-Star game.
Read below for key storylines ahead of tonight’s primetime match:
Match: Real Madrid vs. MLS All-Stars
Wednesday, August 2nd, 8:30 p.m. ET on FS1
Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
Stars Align
Kaka, David Villa, Schweinsteiger, Giovinco, Dom Dwyer, Tim Howard -- the list goes on. Watching these elite players on the field together is a treat for soccer fans all around the world to enjoy. Marquee names have always stacked the All-Star roster, but the 2017 squad might be the best we’ve seen yet.
Kroos Returns, Ronaldo Missing
Real Madrid talisman, scorer of two goals in their recent UEFA Champions League Final triumph, and arguably the best soccer player in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo will not line up against the MLS All-Stars. According to Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane, the reigning FIFA player of the year is taking advantage of brief time away from the game. Ronaldo will rejoin his teammates to face Manchester United in the European Super Cup on August 8th.
German midfielder Toni Kroos, who picked up an ankle injury earlier in the preseason, was back in training ahead of the All-Star game. The 2014 World Cup winner is Real Madrid’s midfield anchor and, alongside Luka Modric, dominated opposing midfields both in La Liga and Champions League competition during their historic 2016-17 campaign.
Back On Track
Before losing 2-1 to Arsenal in 2016, MLS All-Stars had won two consecutive All-Star games in 2014 and 2015 against Bayern Munchen and Tottenham Hotspur respectively. Kaka, Dom Dwyer and the All-Stars will look to start another win streak tonight against the European champions in front of a massive crowd at Soldier Field.
