After winning the HKFC Citibank Soccer Sevens on their inaugural appearance in 2015, defending champions Atletico Madrid return to the tournament as one of the star attractions.
Los Rojiblancos became the first Spanish team to take part in the annual event last year and marked their debut by coming from two goals down in the final to beat West Ham United 3-2 after extra-time.
The 2014 La Liga champions and UEFA Champions League runners-up provided some of the most thrilling moments in last year’s HKFC Citibank Soccer Sevens after needing extra-time to see off both Hong Kong’s Kitchee 3-2 in the quarter-finals and Wellington Phoenix of New Zealand 1-0 in the semi-finals.
Atletico also boasted the Player of the Tournament and seven-goal top scorer Samuel Saiz among their ranks with the inspirational captain popping up with the extra-time winner against West Ham.
Atletico’s first team, meanwhile, have managed to keep pace with the big two in La Liga – Barcelona and city rivals Real Madrid – in recent times thanks in part to a famed academy that has produced the likes of Fernando Torres and David De Gea.
RECORD
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2015
Group D (1st)
Beat HKFA U-20 2-1
Beat Yau Yee League Select 2-1
Draw with Stoke City 2-2
Cup quarter-finals: Beat Kitchee 3-2(a.e.t)
Cup semi-finals: Beat Wellington Phoenix 1-0 (a.e.t)
Cup final: Beat West Ham United 3-2 (a.e.t)