Real Madrid, the Uefa Champions League holders, will play a friendly in Dubai as part of their winter training camp in the emirate this December, The National understands.
The Primera Liga giants, whose squad includes stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, have been in discussions with Dubai Sports Council and Emirates Airline, the Spanish club’s primary shirt sponsor, about an exhibition match with another high-profile European side.
Bayern Munich, the German Bundesliga champions, have been mooted as a potential opponent. While the details have yet to be confirmed, it is understood Madrid will use Dubai as a short-term training base, where they are expected to use the facilities at Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex.
The Madrid friendly would most likely take place during the last week in December, with the venue still under consideration. The Sevens, which has a connection to Emirates and has in the past been used for matches involving prominent European clubs, including AC Milan and Hamburg, could also be an option.
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