Real Madrid v AC Milan in Dubai: Everything you need to know

The two most decorated clubs in European football history will collide on Tuesday night as Dubai rolls out the red carpet for Real Madrid and AC Milan.

Boasting 17 European Cups between them - a record 10 for Madrid and seven for Milan - it's little wonder the match at the Sevens Stadium is a 45,000 sell out.

Here’s everything you need to know about the game:

WHAT IS IT?

The Dubai Football Challenge has featured a number of Emirates Airline-sponsored clubs down the years including Paris Saint-Germain and Hamburg. This will be Milan's fourth appearance while Madrid are making their first appearance in Dubai.

TICKETS:

Those who have waited until the last minute to purchase their tickets will be disappointed. The clamour to see world class players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Keisuke Honda was such that tickets for the game sold out in a matter of days. It really is the hottest ticket in town.

For those fortunate enough to have tickets, they will be required to bring printed versions of their tickets and valid IDs with them to ensure access as they will need to be scanned upon entry to the stadium.

All tickets are non-transferrable; expiring once scanned. Confirmation emails or similar do not function as entrance tickets.

Organisers are also reminding guests that redeemable tickets are those that have been purchased directly from Time Out Tickets or Virgin Megastore.

WHERE:

The Sevens Stadium, home of the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens, opens its door to fans of the footballing variety for one night only. The venue is situation along the Dubai-Al Ain Road about a 20-minute drive from Bur Dubai via E66, or 30 minutes from Jebel Ali via D57 and E77.

Be warned. Organisers are urging spectators to arrive well in advance of the 8pm kick-off in order to reserve their preferred seats. Doors close at 7.30pm.

HOW TO GET THERE:

Mindful of the heavy traffic congestion, organisers have ensured 80 RTA shuttle buses are available for fans. Departing between 3pm to 6.30pm, the shuttle buses will be available from four Dubai Metro Stations, while return buses will be available from 9pm at the Sevens Stadium:

- Shuttles to the game:  Shuttle buses will depart every 30 minutes from the Dubai Mall, Dubai World Trade Centre and Ibn Battuta Metro Stations and every hour from the Etisalat station.

- Shuttles from the game: RTA shuttle buses will depart from The Sevens Stadium from 9pm until midnight to the Dubai Mall, Dubai World Trade Centre and Ibn Battuta Metro Stations and every hour from the Etisalat station.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Both sides have promised to field full strength teams, at least for part of the match. Milan boss Pippo Inzaghi confirmed as much in his press conference on Sunday.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been holidaying in Dubai over Christmas but joined up with his team-mates on Monday and is expected to feature at some point.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Cristiano Ronaldo – Very much the man of the moment. The reigning World Player of the Year is the favourite to pick up his third Ballon d'Or after enjoying an outstanding 2014.

Ronaldo netted 51 goals in 47 appearances last season, setting a record of 17 goals in the Champions League as Real secured a record-extending 10th European crown.

The Portugal captain has already scored an incredible 32 goals in 25 games in all competitions in the 2014-15 campaign, including a haul of 25 in 14 La Liga matches.

Stephan El Shaarawy – The Italian-Egyptian is a firm fans favourite and was mobbed by fans on his arrival at Dubai airport. Has been linked with a move away from the Rossoneri in January although boss Pippo Inzaghi insists he's going nowhere.

The 22-year-old first burst on the scene with Genoa before being picked up by Milan in 2011. Enjoyed his most prolific campaign in 2011-12 when he scored 19 goals in 46 games in all competitions.

Injuries and loss of form has meant that he's made just 20 appearances over the past 18 months, scoring just two goals.

WHAT ELSE CAN WE EXPECT?

With gates open at 3pm, the semi-final and final of Inter-School Championship, featuring Dubai’s finest school football talent will take place ahead of big match. A match Village, complete with a variety of food options and entertainment will also be open from 3pm for all fans to enjoy.