Real Madrid links up with Xbox

Microsoft-owned games console brand Xbox has entered into a partnership with Spanish LaLiga football club Real Madrid.

Xbox will serve as the official console partner of the club. The length of the partnership was not disclosed.

The deal has been signed to coincide with Real’s ongoing pre-season tour of the United States.

As part of the agreement, the Microsoft Century City store will work with Real players and local youth groups in the US on Minecraft-focused coding initiatives.

Microsoft stores in New York City, Santa Clara, Los Angeles, Miami and Oak Brook will also host free Fifa 17 tournaments, with fans to be offered the chance to win tickets to upcoming Real matches in the US. The tournaments will take place this weekend.

In addition, Xbox will give away three unique controllers inspired by Real’s 2017-18 playing kit. Each controller will also come with an early-access copy of the new Fifa 18 game, which will be released in September.