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For the first time since 2018, an international friendly will be played in Pittsburgh, as Liverpool F.C. Men’s first team will face Real Betis in a Premier League vs. LaLiga match-up, July 26 at Acrisure Stadium for the Iron City Showdown — as announced through the Pittsburgh Steelers statement on Tuesday.
These two teams have not faced one another since the 2005 group stage of the UEFA Champions League.
This will also be the first time that both clubs are competing in Pittsburgh. The last international soccer match played in Pittsburgh came in 2018, when Borussia Dortmond, with US International and Hershey, PA native Christian Pulisic made his first and only appearance in the Steel City, took on Benfica FC.
Benfica’s style outlasts Dortmund’s flash on PKs
Presale for tickets opens Wednesday, April 10, at 10:00am ET. Tickets for the general public will go on sale on Ticketmaster, Thursday, April 11 at 9:00am ET.
One of the most popular and winning soccer teams, Liverpool F.C. has won 19 domestic league titles, eight FA Cups, and six European Cups. Liverpool F.C., currently 2nd in the Premier League table, has been one of the most successful English clubs in recent years. Before last season, Liverpool F.C. finished inside the Premier League’s top four each season since 2016-2017, and winning the league in 2019-2020.
Dutch Defender Virgil van Dijk, Uruguayan forward Darwin Núñez, and Egyptian forward Mo Salah lead the squadsitting at the top of the Premier League table.
Speaking about the addition of a third game to LFC’s pre-season tour schedule, Ben Latty, the club’s commercial director, said:
“Adding Pittsburgh to our pre-season tour schedule is a great way to start our eagerly anticipated return to the USA. We were delighted to quickly sell out our fixtures against Arsenal and Manchester United on this tour and are equally excited to be able to offer our supporters in the States another opportunity to see Liverpool F.C. play. Real Betis will come with a strong squad and it’s going to be a great occasion in another iconic setting, in another fantastic US city.”
Real Betis founded in 1907 is based in Sevilleand is the three-time winner of the Copa Del Rey, most recently in 2022, defeating Valencia.
Spanish star Isco Alarcon and World Cup champions Nabil Fekir, German Pezzella and Guido Rodriguez headline the Real Betis squad, alongside American midfielder Johnny Cardoso who plays for the US National Team.
“No doubt, this game excites us for a set of different reasons,” said Real Betis’ CEO Ramon Alarcon.
“Playing against a great club like Liverpool F.C. is a chance for us to measure our potential. This match brings back memories of our debut in the UEFA Champions League during the 2005/2006 season and the amazing atmosphere we experienced both at the Benito Villamarin Stadium and Anfield Stadium.
Additionally, both clubs share common values and a wide fan base with a strong feeling towards our colors. It will be nice to meet again in Pittsburgh after 19 years.”
John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of ‘Miracle on the Mon’ — a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).
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