Real Madrid vs. LA Galaxy: Date, Time, Live Stream, TV Info and More

The lone American squad in the 2013 International Champions Cup gets its tournament journey started as the Los Angeles Galaxy go up against Real Madrid. It's undoubtedly a difficult test for the defending MLS Cup winners.

Even though Real are still in preseason mode ahead of the new La Liga campaign, they showing signs of finding top form in a victory over Paris Saint-Germain last week. The tournament will serve as a chance to build off that performance.

The Galaxy currently sit in fourth place in the Western Conference but are just four points off the pace set by Real Salt Lake. A strong showing in the marquee event, even if it doesn't result in a title, could provide the boost they need for the rest of the season.

Let's take a glance at all the key information for the match, followed by a preview and a prediction for which club will keep its cup hopes alive.

Where: University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.

When: Thursday, Aug. 1 at 10:30 p.m. ET (3:30 a.m. BT)

Watch: Fox Soccer Channel

Live Stream: Fox Soccer 2Go

Preview

The Galaxy obviously won't be able to match the talent level of Real Madrid, especially if Los Blancos decide to start anywhere closer to their full first-team lineup. So in order to keep the match close, they will have to rely on a defensive-minded approach.

It's the opposite from what most clubs will do throughout the event. The European sides are probably going to treat it like typical preseason matches, which means an open style of play to limit the risk of injury or overextending key players.

That should work in Los Angeles' advantage. The Galaxy feature a strong defensive group, led by A.J. DeLaGarza and Omar Gonzalez. Ultimately, the back line will benefit from getting tested by one of the best attacking clubs in the world. And a strong performance would provide a huge boost of confidence.

As for the offense, it will have to come on counterattacks. That puts the onus on the Brazilian midfield duo of Marcelo Sarvas and Juninho to jump-start the attack.

Scoring chances will probably be hard to come by for the MLS side, which means they must convert on the ones they do create in order to put themselves in line for the upset.

As for Real Madrid, all eyes will be on Ronaldo. The dynamic winger is a worldwide sensation, and this tournament serves as an opportunity for him to continue building his fanbase in the United States. Exactly how much he'll play remains unclear, though.

More likely, Los Blancos will lean heavily on rising stars like Asier Illarramendi, Isco and Alvaro Morata on the attack. While Ronaldo can step right in and make an impact in just about any match, the young trio could use the added experience in a tournament atmosphere.

They also represent why Real is built to win this type of tournament. The club features no shortage of depth, which means even if manager Carlo Ancelotti wants to give Ronaldo or his other stars some rest, the club will remain competitive.

All told, if Real decides to play at full strength for the entire match, it could turn into a blowout. That said, the more probably scenario is a lineup that mixes together first-team players with reserves that should allow the Galaxy to at least post a respectable result.

Regardless of the lineup decisions, Real Madrid should move on to the semifinals.

Prediction: Real Madrid 2, LA Galaxy 0