Atletico Madrid is already in Egypt for today’s charity friendly match against Egyptian heavyweights Al Ahly, to support their fight against terrorism.
The Red Devils will be hosting the Spanish giants in an amicable charity game under the slogan “Peace Against Terrorism” at the Borg Al Arab stadium.
It will be Atletico’s second visit to Egypt having played against Zamalek in 2011 on their 100th year anniversary, but this will be very different from their first trip.
For Atletico, this will be an opportunity to show solidarity against a common enemy, but to Al Ahly, it’s a game of as much importance as a cup final. With over 60 million fans around the world, Al Ahly fans have earned a reputation for treating their team like its a religion and this match’s ticket sales are a case in point. \
The Borg Al Arab might be the second most biggest stadium on the continent, but all the 86,000 tickets sold out in advance with many already offering over the price to get their hands on last minute tickets.
They might not match Atletico Madrid in strength but with eight champions league trophies in the cabin, 20 international confederations cups, 39 league titles, nine super cups and 35 domestic cups, there might be no other team to present a sterner challenge on the continent.
Of course, it’s a charity game and will have no real importance for any of the sides but considering Diego Simeone’s competitiveness that makes him never allow him to let his team take their feet off the gas, we shall surely have one hell of a match.
In respect of the cause, Al Ahly sent invitations to six Arab players, and some notable footballers in the Egyptian Premier League to join them in preparation for the match.
The invites were sent to Saudi Arabia’s Fahad Al-Muwallad, UAE’s Ahmed Khalil, Ismail Matar, Omar Abdulrahman and Ismail Abdel-Latif.
From the Egyptian Premier League, Al Ahly will be joined by ENPPI’s Salah Mohsen, Ismaily’s legend Hosny Abd Rabo and two surprise Zamalek players.
Atletico Madrid players also in light of the cause shared an Arabic message of love and solidarity with the Egyptian people and promised they would stand with them in the fight against terrorism.
All the money raised from the tickets will be donated to the families of the victims of the November 24th terror attack, (the martyrs).
Photo Credit: Twitter Images
