Amsterdam Tournament Fixtures Announced

The fixtures of the Amsterdam Tournament in which Sunderland are competing have been announced. Sunderland will face Portuguese giants Benfica in their first fixture in the prestigious Amsterdam Tournament next month. Steve Bruce's side will kick off the glamorous four-team competition at Ajax's Amsterdam Arena at 7pm on Friday July 24.

Two days later, the Black Cats will continue their pre-season preparations in Holland with a tie against Atletico Madrid, the Spanish club, also at 7pm.

Benfica, who have just finished third in their domestic league, can boast attacking luminaries such as Pablo Aimar, the Argentina international, while Jose Antonio Reyes, the former Arsenal forward, has just completed a season on-loan at the other Stadium of Light.

Reyes's parent club is Atletico, whose La Liga campaign saw them claim a final position of fourth, behind Barcelona, Real Madrid and Sevilla.

Atletico presently have a number of players who will be familiar to Sunderland supporters on their books, including Diego Forlan, the former Manchester United striker, who was frequently linked with a move to the north east during Roy Keane's spell as manager.

Luis Garcia and Florent Sinama-Pongolle, the ex-Liverpool forwards, also ply their trade at the Vicente Calderon Stadium.

The Amsterdam Tournament will provide Bruce with quality opposition as he prepares for his first campaign in the Sunderland dug-out.

The club have also announced a pre-season friendly match against Celtic in Glasgow on Saturday August 1.

Amsterdam Tournament full draw:

Day 1 - Friday 24th July

7pm: Sunderland vs Benfica.
9.15pm: Ajax vs Atletico Madrid.

Day 2 - Sunday 26th July

7pm: Sunderland vs Atletico Madrid.
9.15pm: Ajax vs Benfica.

(source: SAFC.com)