Super Eagles duo Balogun, Aribo set for Real Madrid clash
Super Eagles duo Leon Balogun and Joe Aribo, are to face Real Madrid July 25 in an inter-club friendly it has been revealed.
The match which will hold at the Ibrox stadium will be Carlos Ancelotti’s first match since his
‘second missionary’ return to the Real Madrid.
Prior to moving to Real Madrid Ancelotti was at the helm of affairs at Everton where he was enjoying the services of Nigeria international Alex Iwobi.
The Ibrox meet will be serving as shape up for both teams ahead of new season.
Rangers Coach Steven Gerrard still enjoying his exploits last season when he claimed the Scottish league title will be hoping to re-enact the feat in the new season just as the the two Eagles who have become a must play in the Rangers equation will be hoping to see the victory song play on.
The match no doubt depicts a typical quality tie with a lot of take homes. Real Madrid, the 13-times European champions will visit Glasgow on July 25, six days before Steven Gerrard’s side open their title defence against Livingston.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side will also serve as preparation for Rangers’ Champions League qualifying campaign, which begins on August 3-4.
Real have visited Ibrox once before, in the 1963-64 European Cup, beating Rangers 1-0 courtesy of a late Ferenc Puskas goal before a 6-0 home win in Spain.
Gerrard and Ancelotti met when the former Liverpool captain came up against the Italian during his time as manager of Chelsea.
Rangers played their first pre-season friendly against Partick Thistle on Monday after returning from their summer break last week.
read alsoI am enjoying my stay with Aribo,Balogun, says Rangers star Kamara
Cedric Itten scored the only goal as the Gers beat the Scottish Championship side 1-0.
New signing John Lundstram could feature after he completed a free transfer this week. The midfielder joined Rangers after leaving Sheffield United at the end of his contract.
Real started pre-season training on Monday but the players who have been involved in Euro 2020 are set to rejoin on July 19, according to Marca.