| PREGAME SUMMARY: |
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| 2019 MLS Preseason presented by Advocare |
| Fuenlabrada vs. Chicago Fire |
| Madrid, Spain |
| Wednesday, Feb. 6 — TBD |
| No stream or TV available |
The Chicago Fire continue their preparations in Preseason presented by Advocare with another clash against a Madrid-area side, this time taking on third-division club CF Fuenlabrada on Wednesday. This trip is a homecoming of sorts for Fire boss Veljko Paunovic, who played for local sides Atlético de Madrid and Getafe during his playing career.
Chicago Fire
The Fire welcome back midfielder Djordje Mihailovic, fresh off his debut caps and goal for the US national team and looking to really cement his status as a young American star in 2019.
“I adjusted myself the night before I flew here,” Mihailovic said to the club's website after making the trip from California to Madrid. “I stayed up, got ready. Now I’m ready to train and get ready for games. I don’t need a nap. I don’t need rest. I’m ready (laughs).”
Fuenlabrada
The club currently sit atop Group 1 of the Segunda Division B, the Spanish third tier, as they look to make the move up to the second division next season. With 80 teams in total in the third division, it's not easy to make the substantial jump up a division, and it would be the highest level the club has played in its history, were they to reach promotion for next season.
Fuenlabrada's stadium is named after Spanish World Cup winner Fernando Torres, who grew up nearby. New England Revolution midfielder Wilfried Zahibo played there in 2013-14, while former Columbus Crew SC winger Cedrick Mabwati played for Fuenlabrada after his stint in MLS.
