AFC Bournemouth to host Real Madrid pre-season friendly

Bournemouth are to host European giants Real Madrid in a pre-season friendly at Goldsands Stadium later this month.

Ticket prices for the match, which takes place on 21 July, have been set at £55 for season ticket holders and £60 for non-season ticket holders.

The game is the first of the Spanish club's pre-season schedule.

"They've got their first team coming, except the three boys that played in the Confederations Cup," Bournemouth chairman Eddie Mitchell said.

He added to BBC Radio Solent: "We've met their requirements and they are on their way."

Mitchell hopes the match between the newly promoted Championship side and the Spanish La Liga runners-up will benefit the Cherries both on and off the field.

"Life is about building relationships and hopefully there will be further communications with them down the line," he said.

"It's the right publicity for the club and gives us a chance to showcase what we do here. If we side-step opportunities like this then we aren't showing much ambition at all."

Tickets are on sale at £45 for concessions, £30 for under-16s and £80 for executive seats, with a £5 reduction for season ticket holders.