LA Galaxy v. Real Madrid, Let's Get Foolish

So while we never did get a pro friendly post here on LAG Confidential (though there is still time), I'm going to continue neutrally previewing a match that really has nothing to preview. My feelings on the match are probably best summed up by manager Bruce Arena.

"No one is foolish enough to believe a result here says anything," said manager Bruce Arena. "Everyone is very much aware of the fact that Real Madrid is in this game as a training game. They certainly want to win, but if they didn't win, it doesn't say anything. Maybe for some people who don't know what the hell is going on."

After the jump, we'll pretend we know what the hell is going on.

Los Angeles Galaxy v. Real Madrid:

The first time the LA Galaxy faced Real Madrid, they took on their reserve squad in Spain. In 2005, the Galaxy played three matches in three days, in a romp across Spain. The Galaxy started in Pamplona, playing CA Osasuna and their reserves. The Galaxy then capped off the tour against Real Madrid B. The match was played in Las Rozas, so I imagine the two matches against reserves were just scrimmages, with the only match of note being the Galaxy playing CA Osasuna in Reyno de Navarra. CA Osasuna then came to the US later and played Chivas, and the real Real Madrid came to Carson to take on the LA Galaxy. Result:

LA Galaxy 0 Real Madrid 2

"Zidane is the most impressive thing I've seen" Galaxy goalkeeper Kevin Hartman.

Of course, the second time the Galaxy took on Real Madrid was last season, which was also the second time the Galaxy took on a Jose Mourinho managed side. The result:

LA Galaxy 2 Real Madrid 3

LA Galaxy in International Friendlies:

International friendlies are nothing new to soccer. The larger, richer, European clubs make tours of the Americas and Asia to make money and drum up international interest in their off-season. Since 1996, the Galaxy have played more than 80 of this games, both here and abroad, with a record of 36-22-24. In 2010, the Galaxy played five matches against foreign competition, going 2-2-1. Only one of those matches was during the MLS season (the Real Madrid loss). 

What to expect:

Fun, I imagine. If at any point during the match tonight you find yourself not having fun, I would reevaluate your perspective.

Update:

Galaxy Injury Report:

QUESTIONABLE: FW Chad Barrett (R knee sprain); MF David Beckham (back spasms); DF A.J. DeLaGarza (facial contusion); DF Sean Franklin (L hamstring strain); DF Omar Gonzalez (nose fracture); DF Frankie Hejduk (R ankle inflammation); FW Mike Magee (R hamstring tightness)

OUT: DF Sean Alvarado (R knee surgery); DF Leonardo (R knee surgery); GK Donovan Ricketts (L ulna fracture)