FC Barcelona will make their first visit to the Aviva Stadium where they will play Celtic FC on July 30, in an International Champions Cup game.
Speaking at the launch today, Aviva Stadium chairman and FAI CEO John Delaney said the game was “fitting of such a world class venue”.
“This is the perfect club match to showcase everything that this fantastic stadium has to offer, and will be a very special occasion for all sports fans to savour,” he said.
“This will be up there with the Europa League Final in 2011, and with the stadium’s hosting of matches in the UEFA EURO 2020 tournament.
“Barcelona are one of the best teams in world football at the moment, and it could be argued, one of the very best sides of all time. They are the current Champions League holders, and are on top of the Spanish League going for yet another title.
“Celtic are one of the most keenly supported clubs in Ireland, and they are also going for yet another title. This match at the Aviva Stadium will be like a home game for them, such is the massive fan base that they have in this country.”
Scott Brown & @FCBarcelona Amabassador @esdavids are at the Aviva Stadium to promote the @IntChampionsCup (NM) pic.twitter.com/kTlGEY1CaM
— Celtic Football Club (@celticfc) April 25, 2016
The International Champions Cup will visit four continents this summer and Charlie Stillitano, Relevant Sports Chairman, believes the stop in Dublin will be one of the most anticipated: “We are thrilled to host this marquee match at the Aviva Stadium as part of the International Champions Cup. The ICC is truly a global tournament and we are excited to present our first match in Dublin. We have no doubt that the fans will be treated to an amazing match on July 30.”
Roberto Fernandez, Barcelona club technical secretary and former player, expressed his excitement over his club being invited to take part in this match: “The game between Barcelona and Celtic should be a very interesting match. Celtic is a legendary club and this year they are once again the big favourites to win their national League.
“For us, this game will mark our debut in this year’s edition of the International Champions Cup and will be a good test as part of our preparations for next season, against a team that always demands a lot. I hope the spectators enjoy a great game.”
One of the most iconic clubs in world football, Barcelona are synonymous with success having won five Champions League titles, four UEFA Cup Winners’ Cups, five UEFA Super Cups, three FIFA Club World Cups, 23 La Liga, and 27 Copa Del Rey titles.
Luis Enrique’s team boast some of the world’s best players in Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Luis Suarez, and they are currently joint top of La Liga as they attempt to successfully defend their crown as the best team in Spain.
Celtic are also in pursuit of a back-to-back title triumph as they sit top of the Scottish Premiership with an eight-point lead. The Glasgow club are chasing a 47th League title, while they have also lifted the European Cup – becoming the first British club to do so in 1967.
This will be Celtic’s third visit to the Aviva Stadium following appearances at the Dublin Super Cup in 2011 and the Dublin Decider in 2013.
Tickets, which will start at €40 and €15 for children, for this unmissable game will go on sale through Ticketmaster.ie on May 3.
