Hibs to face Barcelona for pre-season match at Murrayfield

Published on Tuesday 20 May 2008 10:20

HIBS fans were licking their lips today as it was announced the Easter Road club will take on Barcelona in a glamour pre-season friendly this summer.

In a repeat of last year, when the Catalan giants faced Hearts in the Capital, Murrayfield will play host to the clash on Thursday, July 24 at 7.45pm.

Supporters will be thrilled at the prospect of seeing the likes of Samuel Eto'o and Thierry Henry in action for the second year running while Argentinian superstar Lionel Messi – who was unavailable for last year's match against Hearts – will be in line to feature this time round.

Hibs last faced Barcelona in 1961 when they won a Fairs Cup clash 7-6 on aggregate after a explosive second leg at Easter Road.

Barca will spend six days in Scotland based in St Andrews and, like last year, will face Dundee United at Tannadice on Saturday, July 26 (kick-off 4pm).

Hibs chief executive, Scott Lindsay, said: "We are delighted to be able to take part in a pre-season fixture against a team of Barcelona's stature.

"The last time the two clubs met in Edinburgh was over forty years ago. That was a remarkable occasion and we fully expect this match to provide another fantastic experience for everyone involved."

Tickets for the match at Murrayfield are now available, and accessible via Hibernian's usual outlets (www.hibs.co.uk) and at www.scottishrugby.org; via the credit card hotline [phone] (booking fee applies) or in person from Scottish Rugby's Ticket Centre at Murrayfield. Tickets will not be available from the Hibernian FC Ticket Office until June 16.

Ticket Prices are: Adults 25/30/35 and Concessions 15/20/25 (under 16 and over 65)