I don’t like this

So, Madrid is playing a mid-week friendly/charity match in Albania today.  Yes, Albania.  And yes, in between Liga games.  If they win, they’ll get to add the Oil Cup to their museum, can’t wait to see that!  And if that’s not incentive enough, there’s the €2.5 million they’re getting paid to play…

I have several problems with this game.  One, it’s pointless, and could affect their performance for this weekend’s game against Málaga, with all the unnecessary travel and the climate change.  Plus, there is always a risk of players being injured, especially in this type of game, where the big stars are contractually obligated to appear.

Two, the proceeds from this game are expected to go to people who have been affected by recent floods.  I seriously doubt that proceeds will be anywhere near €2.5 million, so wouldn’t it have been better to donate the money you’re spending to bring Madrid to Albania directly to those affected?

And three, this smacks back to the era of the galácticos, where generating revenue was more important than winning.  I (and a lot of people) had hoped that that time was behind us.

It would be nice, however, for Madrid to donate the money they are receiving to some worthy cause, such as those affected by the Albanian floods, or Haiti?  Just a thought.