On Sunday, July 26, the Red Bulls will try and defend their home turf in the 2015 International Champions Cup, when they take on Portuguese titleholders SL Benfica at 7:35 p.m. ET in their latest ICC matchup.
It will certainly be an important affair, considering the Red Bulls enter this fixture soaring as they sit in first place of the tournament standings. That’s why Red Bulls tickets have been enormously popular this year, as this is a team capable of big things.
Following a 2-0 win over the San Jose Earthquakes and a draw with the LA Galaxy, New York sent a message they are not taking the these friendlies lightly, as they shocked English Premier League side Chelsea FC earlier in the week. Beginning the second half down a goal, Franklin Castellanos Rivera tallied the club’s first goal in the 51st-minute. New York then went on to score three more times, with Sean Davis sealing the victory by finding the net twice, lifting the Red Bulls to the 4-2 upset.
SL Benfica began their tournament falling to Paris Saint-Germain, 3-2, in Toronto. First-half goals from Anderson Talisca and Jonas were not enough to hold the lead as PSG scored twice in the second half to ultimately prevail. Before encountering the Red Bulls, they also have a date with Italian club Fiorentina in East Hartford, CT on July 24. Tickets to see SL Benfica in these rare games are going quickly, as the elite Portuguese club has a large contingent of supporters all over based on their track record.
According to SeatSmart.com, tickets to see the New York Red Bulls clash with SL Benfica can be purchased on the secondary market at an average of $81.59, with this average trending at 37 percent less than that of last week. Fans can also find less expensive admission as the get-in price starts at $29. In addition, there are also outstanding deals on NYC parking from ParkWhiz.com, which has spots available starting as low as $9.
Coached by Jesse Marsch, the Red Bulls are in the midst of a solid Major League Soccer season as they sit in third place of the Eastern Conference standings. Historically, they have emerged from the regular season as MLS Eastern Conference regular season champs three times, in addition to winning the MLS Supporters’ Shield in 2013.
SL Benfica has dominated their domestic league in Portugal — Primeira Liga — winning the title an unbelievable 34 times. Most recently they repeated as champions in 2013-14 and 2014-15, while also making it to the Europa League Final this past season.
When the Red Bulls take the pitch this Sunday, they will most likely feature more of their familiar faces, as the clash with Chelsea that saw them deploy a squad heavy with developmental third-division players. They could find more success if Roy Miller and Sean Davis can build off their notable performances. Meanwhile, SL Benfica forwards Lima and Jonas will aim to cool off New York as they play their third match of the tournament.
SL Benfica takes the field for their next match in Mexico City, Mexico where they will face Mexican side Club América.
