European Heavyweights Faceoff in Audi Cup

The 2015 Audi Cup is right around the corner as the European football pre-season is now in full swing.  This two-day biennial competition, hosted by Bayern Munich, features all matches being held at their home ground the Allianz Arena. Play will kick off on August 4^th.

Match play opens with La Liga giants Real Madrid taking on English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur at 12:45 p.m. ET.  The second match of the day will feature reigning Bundesliga and Audi Cup tournament titleholders Bayern Munich and Serie A side AC Milan at 2:45 p.m. ET.  The winners will then face each other in the final on August 5^th at 2:45 with the third place match being held prior at 12:45.

Held for the first time in 2009, both the title and third place match required penalties for winners to be found.  Bayern Munich top Manchester United 7-6 after playing to a 0-0 draw in the final with Boca Juniors calming third place over AC Milan 4-3 in spot kicks. 

In 2011, tournament debutants FC Barcelona emerged as champions.  Facing Bayern in the final they triumphed 2-0 courtesy of two goals from now Bayern midfielder Thiago, who in 2013 moved to the Bavarian club.

The last time this pre-season competition took place was in 2013.  Bayern defeated Manchester City of the English Premier League 2-1 in the final claiming its second Audi Cup title.  It also marked the best tournament result for the three-time invitee AC Milan as they defeated Brazilian top-flight club São Paulo in the third place match by a score of 1-0. 

Bayern will take the pitch in hopes of repeating as tournament winners.  The 2014-15 season saw them win its third consecutive Bundesliga championship marking their 25^th overall. Having secured qualification to the UEFA Champions League group stage for this upcoming season, they have reinforced with the summer signings forward Douglas Costa, goalie Sven Ulreich and midfielder Joshua Kimmich. 

Real Madrid finished the 2014-15 season behind La Liga winners FC Barcelona, marking its 22^nd time as runners-up.  They opened the 2015-16 pre-season by taking part in the Australian and Asian legs of the 2015 International Champions Cup.  Before beginning the Audi Cup they will face fellow tournament participate AC Milan on July 30^th in Shanghai.    

Tottenham Hotspur are set to face the MLS All-Stars on July 29^th before traveling to Munich for the start of the Audi Cup.  Having finished last season in 5^th of the English Premier League they have secured qualification to the group stage of the Europa League.  This tournament gives them a reunion with former players Gareth Bale and Luka Modric when they Real Madrid.  The selling of Welshmen Bale to Madrid in 2013 was one of the highest transfer fee ever, with reports of the final fee around 101 million Euros. 

AC Milan suffered a less than satisfactory season during 2014-15 finishing 10^th in the Serie A.  Competing in three pre-season exhibition tournaments, Milan began competing in the Asian leg of the 2015 International Champions Cup toping Serie A rival Inter Milan 1-0.  Following the Audi Cup they will take part in the TIM Trophy, a yearly pre-season tournament comprised of thee Italian teams.  This edition will pit them against Inter Milan and Sassuolo.