Atletico Madrid, former Champions League finalists, ‘confirmed’ for match in Hong Kong
- Local fans starved of elite visitors since Manchester City played at Hong Kong Stadium in 2019
Atletico Madrid will definitely play in Hong Kong this summer, but the Spanish giants’ visit to the Chinese mainland remains shrouded in doubt.
The Post reported last month that the three-times Uefa Champions League runners-up were in talks over a potential preseason fixture in the city.
A club spokesman has now told the Post that “the match in Hong Kong is confirmed”, meaning the city can brace itself for possible visits from World Cup-winners Antoine Griezmann, Rodrigo De Paul, Angel Correa and Nahuel Molina, along with the club’s superboss Diego Simeone.
Specific details around the fixture remain unconfirmed, but Spanish publication Marca said that Atletico would face recently deposed Hong Kong champions Kitchee. The Post has been told Marca’s reporting was accurate.
A date of August 7 for the match was previously suggested, but Atletico may need to juggle their schedule after a proposed mainland friendly tournament, also featuring Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan, apparently ran into difficulties.
Another Spanish outlet, Relevo, has reported that the promoter of the competition failed to provide scheduled payments to the three European clubs. Chengdu was among the Chinese cities poised to host matches involving the illustrious trio from late July.
