Last week, it was announced that Manchester United will play in Ireland for the first time in six years this summer. Not to be outdone, United's main rivals in the Irish market will also be visiting Dublin on the same week before the start of next season.
Jurgen Klopp will bring his Liverpool side to the Aviva Stadium to play Atheltic Bilbao on Saturday, August 5th at 5.15. The match comes three days after United face Sampdoria in the same venue.
Bilbao last faced Liverpool in the 1983-84 European Cup, with Ian Rush scoring the only goal as Liverpool went on to win the tournament.
The Reds last appeared at the Aviva Stadium in their 2014 pre-season tour. It was a comfortable 4-0 victory, with goals from the mighty pair of Iago Aspas and Fabio Borini helping them past Shamrock Rovers.
The year before that they sold out the venue for a friendly against Celtic. The final game of the 2013 pre-season tour finished 1-0 to the Hoops - Amido Balde grabbing the only goal against Brendan Rodgers' side.
Rush, an ambassador for the club, told the official LFC site that the club was happy to be returning to Ireland.
We always get such an amazing reception in Dublin.
Even though this is a friendly game, I’m sure our incredible Irish supporters will make the atmosphere just as good when we meet Athletic Club this time around.
Given how close it is to the start of the 2017 season, there's a high chance that any new summer signings could feature. Bilbao finished in the top half of La Liga this season, led by 36-year old Aritz Aduriz.
Some League of Ireland fans were not best pleased, given that it's
Another monumental day for Irish football. https://t.co/6cy9Ukk0iM
— Back Page Football (@bpfootball) May 30, 2017
Liverpool and Manchester United playing in Dublin in games a few days apart great time for Irish football.... oh wait 😔😠 https://t.co/koirYp7n5C
— John O'Shea (@JohnOShea1993) May 30, 2017
Tickets go on general sale from this Friday. But there could be a bit of bother should Dundalk repeat their European success of last season. The Lilywhites will enter the Champions League qualifiers likely at the second round stage. If they reach the third round, the second leg is down for the 1st or 2nd of August. Drawing a big name in that round means they might require the Aviva.
The Lilywhites will enter the Champions League qualifiers likely at the second round stage. If they reach the third round, the second leg is down for the 1st or 2nd of August. Drawing a big name in that round means they might require the Aviva.
Time will tell.
