Manchester United – Atlético de Madrid

Manchester United to face Atlético de Madrid at Strawberry Arena on August 1

Manchester United FC will take on Atlético de Madrid in a high-profile pre-season fixture at Strawberry Arena in Stockholm, Sweden, on 1st of August. The match will bring together two of Europe’s most prominent clubs for a summer showdown in the Swedish capital.

Manchester United, founded in 1878 and based at Old Trafford, are one of the most successful clubs in English football history. With numerous domestic league titles, FA Cups and European trophies to their name, the club has built a global following and a particularly strong supporter base across Scandinavia. United have a long tradition of visiting the Nordic region during pre-season tours and exhibition matches, regularly drawing large crowds in Sweden, Norway and Denmark.

Their opponents, Atlético de Madrid, are one of Spain’s most decorated clubs and a major force in European football. Founded in 1903, Atlético have won multiple La Liga titles and enjoyed considerable success in European competitions in recent years. Under long-time manager Diego Simeone, the club has developed a reputation intensity and resilience, reaching the UEFA Champions League qualification for the past 13 consecutive seasons.

Matches between Manchester United and Atlético de Madrid have produced memorable encounters in European competition. The clubs most notably met in the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League in the 2021–22 season. After a 1–1 draw in the first leg in Madrid, Atlético secured a narrow 1–0 victory at Old Trafford to advance to the quarter-finals. The tie highlighted the contrasting styles and competitive spirit of the two sides and remains the most recent competitive meeting between the clubs.

The upcoming fixture in Stockholm offers supporters in Sweden and across the Nordic region a rare opportunity to see two European giants meet on Scandinavian soil. Strawberry Arena, Sweden’s national stadium and one of the region’s premier football venues, will provide the stage for what promises to be an exciting summer evening of top-level international club football.

The match forms part of Manchester United’s preparations for the upcoming season and is expected to attract fans from across Scandinavia and beyond, further underlining the global appeal of both clubs.

"We have the best fans in the world, and this schedule gives us a great opportunity to connect with our supporters across Europe. We’re really looking forward to getting out there and putting in the hard work ahead of a big season, says Jason Wilcox", Director of Football in Manchester United. 

"It is a pleasure for us to play this match in Stockholm, and we hope the Swedish fans enjoy a great spectacle. From a sporting perspective, as part of our preparation for the 2026–27 season, facing a team of Manchester United’s caliber is very helpful in getting the players ready for the demanding campaign ahead", says Mateu Alemany, Professional Football Director in Atlético de Madrid.

"We are proud to be able to attract an international football match of this size to Strawberry Arena for the second year in a row. Last year's meeting showed the energy and festive atmosphere that is created both outside and inside the arena when world teams come to Stockholm - an experience that affects far more than just those who take their seats in the stands. A match like this also gives a clear boost to the entire area, which is filled with visitors to shopping centers, hotels and restaurants. The fact that international top clubs continue to choose us shows that Strawberry Arena remains one of the Nordic countries' most attractive arenas for major football events. We look forward to another memorable summer evening", says Mikael Ritsfalk, General Manager at Strawberry Arena.