Monday was a good day to be a Montreal Impact member.
As soon as 4pm, a crowd had gathered by the Stade Saputo offices in the hope that Real Madrid players and coaches would mingle with the crowd. Despite the rain, plenty of fans clad in the famous white jersey patiently waited, in good spirits.
A little before 6pm, the first roar was heard as the Real Madrid coaching staff came out of the dressing room, led by the great Zinédine Zidane who waved at the thousands of fans – nearly 5,000 on a Monday night – who bounced off their seats in the South Stand.
Fellow Frenchman Karim Benzema was a fan favourite as well. The crowd chanted the forward’s name as he stepped on the Stade Saputo field. Les Bleus defender Raphaël Varane and Brazilian full back Marcelo were also treated to a fine welcome.
After warming up under the new first-team fitness coach, Antonio Pintus, the Madrid players took part in ball possession drills, mini-games on small pitches and physical tests, after which they approached the fans on the edge of the field for autographs and selfies.
After A.S. Roma, which plays an international friendly against the Impact on Wednesday, August 3, at Stade Saputo (TICKETS), who knows which prestigious guest will visit the Bleu-blanc-noir next season? Whoever it may be, the best way to enjoy these events to the fullest is to become a Montreal Impact member!
