CHICAGO - Spanish superclub Real Madrid has released its World Tour 2005 roster in anticipation of its friendly match against Club Deportivo Guadalajara on Saturday, July 16 at Soldier Field. The Spanish club giants, which will be making their first Chicago appearance this weekend, will be taking on Mexican power CD Guadalajara as part of a doubleheader that will open with the Chicago Fire taking on the Columbus Crew in an MLS Eastern Conference showdown beginning at 3:00 p.m. CT (ESPN2).
Fans are invited to attend Real Madrid's practice session on Friday, July 15 at Soldier Field. Real Madrid will host their practice session at the lakefront venue from 6:00-7:15 p.m. CT with general admission tickets to the session costing $20.
Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting www.TicketMaster.com. Tickets will also be available for purchase on Friday at the Fire's Soldier Field Box Office. Fire season ticket holders can purchase tickets to the session for a discounted price of $10 and will also be able to buy additional tickets to the practice at the same cost.
Real Madrid, winner of a record 29 Spanish league titles, is widely recognized as the world's most storied and star-studded soccer club. The Spanish giants are making their first trip to the United States since August 2002 and their first appearance in the Windy City. Led by Brazilian head coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo, Real Madrid features several of the world's soccer superstars popularly known as the "galacticos": David Beckham (England), Ronaldo (Brazil), Zinedine Zidane (France), Luis Figo (Portugal), Michael Owen (England), Roberto Carlos (Brazil) and captain Raul (Spain). Following the games in the United States, Real Madrid will continue its preseason preparations in the Far East, with matches scheduled against local sides in China and Japan.
REAL MADRID WORLD TOUR 2005 ROSTER
GOALKEEPERS: Iker Casillas, Diego López, Carlos Sánchez.
DEFENDERS: Michel Salgado, Alvaro Mejía, Ivan Helguera, Carlos Pavón, Carlos Diogo, Roberto Carlos, Raúl Bravo, Ruben De la Red.
MIDFIELDERS: Pablo García, David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane, Jose Maria Gutierrez ("Guti"), Luis Figo, Thomas Gravesen, Jose Manuel Jurado, Alvaro Arbeloa.
FORWARDS: Raúl, Ronaldo, Michael Owen, Juanfran, Roberto Soldado.
Head Coach: Vanderlei Luxemburgo
