[3] La Liga champions Real Madrid, Italian outfit Juventus and German side Hamburg were confirmed as participants for the 2008 edition, alongside hosts Arsenal.

There was a contingent of former Premier League players and staff, as Real Madrid's lineup featured Ruud van Nistelrooy and Jerzy Dudek,[6] while Hamburg was coached by former Tottenham Hotspur manager Martin Jol.

Hamburg's Nigel de Jong was beaten off the ball in his own penalty area by right back Míchel Salgado, who set Van Nistelrooy up for a straightforward tap in.

[8] Real Madrid dominated and were punished for missing multiple chances to extend their lead when Mohamed Zidan scored Hamburg's equaliser.

[8] David Jarolím and Guerrero came close to putting Hamburg 2–1 in front, but Dani Parejo five minutes from time sealed the win for Real Madrid, heading in Juanmi Callejón's cross.

[9] The striker was booed throughout the tournament as he failed to clarify his plans for the future during pre-season,[9] even though he had agreed a contract extension according to Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger.