Atletico Madrid’s Global Pre-Season Tour Kicks Off Against Kitchee
Atletico Madrid will begin their global pre-season preparations for the 2024-25 season with a clash against Hong Kong’s top team, Kitchee, at Hong Kong Stadium on Wednesday night. This match promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams aim to showcase their prowess.
Kitchee’s Aspirations Against Spanish Giants
Despite not being a globally renowned club, Kitchee is a dominant force in Hong Kong football. The Bluewaves have made significant strides, recently becoming the first team from Hong Kong to win a game in the AFC Champions League and progress to the last 16. Known as the “Hong Kong Barca,” Kitchee boasts an impressive collection of six Hong Kong Premier League and six Hong Kong First Division titles. Their latest triumph came in the 2022-23 season, where they won 15 of 18 league matches.
Challenges and Triumphs for Kitchee
The 2023-24 season presented challenges for Kitchee. They finished fourth in the Hong Kong Premier League, just missing out on AFC Champions League qualification by one point. Additionally, they were eliminated in the group stage of the Champions League, finishing last in a group featuring Bangkok United, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, and Lion City Sailors.
Usually playing at the Mong Kok Stadium, which seats just over 6,000 fans, Kitchee will experience a significant change of atmosphere at Hong Kong Stadium. The venue can host over 40,000 spectators, setting the stage for a memorable match against Atletico Madrid.
Kitchee’s History with European Clubs
Kitchee is no stranger to high-profile matches against European teams. They have previously faced Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City in 2017 and 2019, respectively, though both matches ended in victories for the Premier League sides. This experience will undoubtedly be invaluable as they prepare to take on Atletico Madrid.
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Atletico Madrid’s Preparations and Changes
For the first time since 2012, Atletico Madrid finished outside the top three in La Liga, ending the season in fourth place behind Real Madrid, Barcelona, and surprise package Girona. Despite this, they secured their place in the revamped Champions League by finishing eight points ahead of fifth-placed Athletic Bilbao.
The summer has brought significant changes to Atletico Madrid, especially in their striking department. Alvaro Morata, the Euro 2024 winner and Spain captain, has left the club to join AC Milan after scoring 28 goals over the last two La Liga seasons. In response, Atletico quickly signed Robin Le Normand for around £30 million and brought in Alexander Sorloth from Villarreal after his 26-goal season.
Atletico’s Pre-Season Performances
Atletico Madrid has already played two domestic friendlies this summer. They secured a penalty-shootout win against third-tier Numancia and followed it up with a 3-1 victory over top-tier rivals Getafe. These matches have helped them gear up for their global pre-season tour, starting with the game against Kitchee.
Key Players and Lineup Insights
Kitchee has a couple of players with English roots, with Matthew Slattery and Charlie Scott expected to start in forward and midfield positions, respectively. On the other hand, Atletico Madrid will likely feature summer arrival Alexander Sorloth as their main forward, replacing Morata. Angel Correa, who scored twice in the win over Getafe, is also vying for a spot in the starting XI.
Young talents Arthur Vermeeren and Javier Serrano were given opportunities in midfield during their last match, and the club is reportedly close to securing a high-profile transfer for Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher. Experienced defenders Axel Witsel and Cesar Azpilicueta are set to anchor a relatively young backline.
Conclusion: A Clash of Ambitions and Preparations
As Kitchee and Atletico Madrid prepare to face off, both teams have much to prove. Kitchee aims to make a statement against a European heavyweight, while Atletico looks to fine-tune their squad and strategy for the upcoming season. This match is more than just a friendly; it’s a test of preparations, ambitions, and footballing prowess. Fans can expect a captivating encounter under the bright lights of Hong Kong Stadium.
