Reigning European champions Real Madrid arrived in Montreal to begin preseason training ahead of a three-city exhibition tour in the US. Los Blancos will be training at Centre Nutrilait, the Montreal Impact’s brand-new facility.
The facility, which opened in June, reportedly was a destination eyed by multiple European clubs, with Real Madrid getting the nod this year.
"Real Madrid is coming here this summer," Impact owner Joey Saputo told reporters following the opening of the facility. "We had calls from other clubs that wanted to come here, not only this summer but also next year, so it does help to have a training facility that players can feel comfortable at."
Madrid’s North American tour had the tabloids abuzz almost immediately upon arrival. An overeager fan was subdued by security while trying to take a selfie with French star Karim Benzema as the team entered their hotel, according to UK tabloid The Sun.
Real Madrid face Paris Saint-Germain on July 28 at Ohio Stadium, Chelsea on July 30 at Michigan Stadium, and Bayern Munich on August 4 at Metlife Stadium.
