Atletico Madrid to face Kitchee in Hong Kong friendly match: sources

Spanish side Atletico Madrid will be playing against Hong Kong club Kitchee in the city this August in their pre-season friendly fixtures, according to sources.

Spanish media previously reported that the three-times Uefa Champions League runners-up could travel to China, Hong Kong, and Sweden for their pre-season preparations, with the Hong Kong friendly set for August 7.

Yet the match date remains uncertain after reports that a proposed mainland friendly tournament comprising Atletico, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan, ran into difficulties.

It is understood Atletico could still juggle their schedule as they look for alternative fixtures in Asia. However, sources said Atletico remain committed to their early-August Hong Kong friendly against local club Kitchee.

Meanwhile, football fans in Hong Kong will certainly be concerned whether star players from the Spanish side will feature in the Hong Kong friendly, following the “Lionel Messi drama” in February that saw the Argentinian star remain on the bench throughout the Inter Miami CF exhibition match held in the city.

Spanish outlet, Relevo, suggested earlier that star players such as Antoine Griezmann, Rodrigo de Paul, and Alvaro Morata could still be on vacation following their involvement in this year’s Euro and Copa América.

Some other players could also be competing at the Paris Olympics in August and yet to report back to the squad.

Hong Kong’s last visit by elites from Europe dates back to 2019 when Manchester City made a stop in the city during their pre-season tour - also facing Kitchee SC.

The English visitor that fielded star players including Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva, Raheem Sterling, Leroy Sané, and Bernardo Silva thrashed the home team 6-1.