Real Madrid, Juventus among teams at 4th Peace Cup

Some of the world’s top teams are about to face off in the fourth edition of the Peace Cup, which is to be played in the Spanish region of Andalusia and in the country’s capital, Madrid.

The Peace Cup was first held in 2003 and was since played every two years. The first three editions were all organized by South Korea.

No less than twelve teams participate in this tournament, of which the group phase consists of four groups of three. The winner of each group advances to the semi finals.

Group A contains Sevilla, Italian giants Juventus and South Korean side Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma. Sevilla have the advantage of playing both their games in their own city.

Most eyes will probably be on Real Madrid, who share Group B with 2008 Libertadores winners LDU Quito and Al-Ittihad of Saudi Arabia. Madrid play both of their games at their own Bernabeu stadium.

Malaga, the third and final Spanish team, face a tough challenge against Premiership side Aston Villa and Mexican outfit Atlante. All matches in this group are to be played at Malaga’s La Rosaleda.

The fourth group is extremely difficult to predict. Olympique Lyon, Besiktas and FC Porto are all candidates to finish in first place.

Action starts on Friday, July 24, and the group phase ends on the 29th. The two semi finals are to be played in July 31st and the final is scheduled for August 2, at Sevilla’s La Cartuja.

According to bookmakers, Real Madrid are favorites to win the tournament. Juventus are second in line, ahead of Sevilla and Porto.

PSV Eindhoven, Tottenham Hotspur and Lyon won the three previous editions.