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Real Madrid will look to continue their impressive run of pre-season form on Thursday as they take on AC Milan in Shanghai. In their last couple of matches, the Merengues have seen off Manchester City and Inter Milan with a combined score of 7-1, and new manager Rafael Benítez certainly doesn't seem to be having any problems conveying his ideas to his players.
However, AC Milan's new coach Siniša Mihajlović has had a slightly slower start since taking charge of the rossoneri, with a 1-0 win over intra-city rivals Inter coming on the back of a 2-1 defeat to French side Lyon. They've made some heavy investments across the field this summer, though they're seemingly still trying to find a way to fit everything together. They certainly head into this match as underdogs.
Fun Real Madrid fringe player to watch: Casemiro
The departure of the long-serving Xabi Alonso to Bayern Munich left Carlo Ancelotti having to deploy Sergio Ramos as a defensive midfielder in a few key games last season, with the unconvincing Asier Illarramendi the only remaining natural in that role. However, Brazilian anchorman Casemiro has returned from an impressive loan spell at Porto this summer, and could well find himself featuring more regularly for the Merengues than anticipated.
Fun AC Milan fringe player to watch: José Mauri
AC Milan capitalised on the sad demise of their Serie A rivals Parma by snapping up their star midfielder José Mauri on a free transfer this summer. The The industrious midfielder blends boundless energy with excellent technique, and has been tipped to be a star for quite a while. He'll be looking to make the most of his big break, and attempt to use pre-season to stake his claim for a starting spot.
Compared to other friendlies, is this worth my time?
AC Milan are still trying to stumble on a winning formula ahead of the new season, and coach Mihajlović won't allow his players to give an inch. It should be competitive. 5/10.
Match date/time: Thursday, 8 a.m. ET, 8 p.m. local
Venue: Shanghai Stadium, Shanghai, China
TV: Fox Sports 1 (U.S. - English), ESPN Deportes, (U.S. - Spanish), TSN (Canada), Sky Sports 1/HD (U.K.), Canal+ Liga / HD (Spain), PremiumSport HD (Italy)
Online: Fox Sports Go, Fox Soccer 2 Go, WatchESPN (U.S.), Sky Go (U.K.)