Man City-Club América tickets are red hot after Haaland signing

After a two-year hiatus on summer friendlies in the United States, Manchester City and Club América scheduled a friendly in Houston. As a result of Erling Haaland moving in a major deal to City, the Man City-Club América tickets are now a hot item.

Haaland will join Manchester City on July 1 — almost three weeks before City plays América.

Manchester City and Club América in Houston

These two sides play on July 20 at NRG Stadium, the home of the NFL’s Houston Texans. This stadium generally pulls around 65,000 to 70,000 for soccer games. In its history of hosting the beautiful game since 2003, there have been just three club games at the stadium. Manchester United actually played Manchester City in 2017, with the Red Devils winning 2-0 in front of just under 71,000 fans.

Manchester City playing Club América in Houston is actually the third time these two clubs met on the field. In 2010, Manchester City drew with Club América at the Azteca in Mexico City before winning on penalties. The next year, the two met again in San Francisco. The English club won in the World Football Challenge. Ryan McGivern and Shaun Wright-Phillips scored the goals in an eventual 2-0 win.

This summer, Manchester City looks to enter as the defending Premier League champions. Meanwhile, Club América is getting set for the final phase of Liga MX’s Clausura portion of the season.

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The return of summer friendlies

Over the last two years, international friendlies faced a hiatus. The consequences of COVID-19 regarding travel restrictions prevented clubs from Europe to play abroad. Therefore, trips to the U.S., Asia, Australia and the Middle East all faced limitations. In fact, the International Champions Cup, which consisted of a number of major clubs worldwide, ended permanently due to the pandemic.

Therefore, it is a relief to see one of Europe’s most talented and successful sides of late make a trip over to the United States.

Mexican sides, like Club América, frequently come over to the United States for friendlies as well. Their travel was somewhat more straightforward over the last year. However, this game is an opportunity for arguably Mexico’s most historically succesful side to play a top team from Europe.

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Photo: Matt McNulty – Manchester City/Manchester City FC via Getty Images