By Martin Walker
Sunderland will take on Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon as
part of a two-game pre-season mini-tournament in the Algarve.
Roy Keane's side will compete in the Albufeira Cup against
Sporting Lisbon and Vitoria de Setubal at the Albufeira Municipal
Stadium in July.
The Black Cats kick-off the tournament against Sporting on
Sunday July 20 (kick-off 9pm local time) and play Vitoria de
Setubal on Wednesday July 23 (evening kick-off, tbc).
Sporting, who, along with FC Porto and Benfica, are considered
one of Portuguese football's 'big three', finished
Super Liga runners-up this season, behind Porto who won the title
by 20 points. Sporting have won the Portuguese title 18 times.
To give the club its full name, the Sporting Club of Portugal,
Sporting is a multisports club, comprising many different
competitive departments including football, futsal, athletics and
handball, among others.
Vitoria de Setubal, a smaller club who are yet to win the
domestic league title, finished seventh in the Super Liga this
season.
Fans wishing to travel to Portugal for the games can do
so with Sunderland Travel - SAFC's official travel
partners.
Sunderland Travel have tailored a special offer for fans wishing
to follow their team.
Call Sunderland Travel on 0161 829 6587 (UK/Northen Ireland) or
0818 210053 (Republic of Ireland) for full details or to make a
booking.
Click here to book online.
All prices are based on a July 17 departure and are for seven
nights. Prices are subject to availability, with departures from
Newcastle or Dublin.
Price does not include a match ticket but you will be
guaranteed a ticket if booking any of these packages.
3 star self-catering at the Albufeira Jardim
(including coach transfers to and from Faro):
Newcastle, from £482pp
Dublin, from £519pp
• Situated above the fisherman city of Albufeira,
surrounded by its own pleasant gardens, all the apartments have
balcony or terrace, most with sea view and are comfortably
furnished and fully equipped.
4star BB at Belver Boa Vista (including coach
transfers to and from Faro):
Newcastle, from £566pp
Dublin, from £603pp
• Boa Vista Hotel & Spa's privileged
location is in the highest area of Albufeira, in the Algarve,
allowing you to enjoy a breathtaking sea view from the minute you
set foot in reception.
5star BB at the Sao Rafael Suite (incl. private
transfers to and from Faro):
Newcastle, from £823pp
Dublin, from £860pp
• An ultra-modern, luxury choice with a trendy,
tranquil style. It is child-friendly yet still retains its air of
relaxation and sophistication. Delightful dining facilities are
available along with a pampering spa. It is located in a quiet area
but on-site transport is available.
5star HB at the Grande Real Santa Eulalia
(incl. private transfers to and from Faro):
Newcastle, from £1340pp
Dublin, from £1378pp
• A stylish and particularly well-equipped modern
property with Arabian influences, in a commanding beachfront
location. Superb eating and drinking facilities are right by
the beach at this large, spread out and peaceful luxury property.
SAFC pre-season round-up:
Sunday July 20: Sporting Lisbon, 9pm local
time (Algarve, Portugal).
Wednesday July 23: Vitoria de Setubal, kick-off time
tbc (Algarve, Portugal).
Wednesday July 30: Nottingham Forest, 7.45pm (a).
Sunday August 3: Ajax, 3pm (h).
Further pre-season games will be announced in due
course.
