Bournemouth to host Real Madrid

Championship side Bournemouth have confirmed that they will take on Spanish giants Real Madrid in a pre-season friendly later this month.

The nine-time European champions will make the trip to the Goldsands Stadium on Sunday, July 21.

"Real Madrid are at the pinnacle of global sport and to host them will be an honour for the squad, management and supporters of AFC Bournemouth," chairman Eddie Mitchell told the club's official website.

"We see the fixture as a well earned gift to our fans for their unwavering dedication to AFC Bournemouth, and also an opportunity for us to put the town of Bournemouth on the map.

"We are honoured to have been handpicked by Real Madrid to be their hosts in this landmark moment for the Football League, and we will do everything to ensure the game goes down in history."

It is expected that Real coach Carlo Ancelotti will use his strongest team, including Cristiano Ronaldo, during the match.