CBS Sports to Air European Soccer Summer Friendlies
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- CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports Golazo Network are airing 20+ European soccer summer friendlies from August 5-16, covering Premier League clubs and international opponents.
- Chelsea, now under Xabi Alonso, plays three preseason matches in five days: vs. Juventus (Aug 5), vs. Milan (Aug 8), and vs. Johor Southern Tigers (Aug 9, tape delay).
- Manchester City opens its post-Pep Guardiola era with friendlies against K League All-Stars (Aug 5, 7 a.m.) and Atletico Madrid (Aug 9, 7 a.m.).
- Real Madrid, also with a new coach, faces Schalke on Aug 16, while Arsenal hosts Real Betis on Aug 5 to showcase its new signings.
- Tottenham is remaking its entire squad this summer, making preseason play especially important according to CBS.
- Marquee matchups include Liverpool vs. Monaco (Aug 9), Manchester United vs. Leeds United (Aug 12), and Newcastle United vs. Bayer Leverkusen (Aug 15).
Why it matters: US fans get a preseason window into the new-look European landscape — Chelsea under Xabi Alonso, Manchester City's post-Pep era, Tottenham's full squad rebuild — before domestic leagues kick off. In a World Cup year where some key players are still on holiday, these friendlies carry extra weight as clubs evaluate who fills roster gaps.
