As an international football fan, preseason matches have always been a gateway to seeing my favorite European teams in action. Since it's tough to catch a live game in Europe without a long flight and some serious planning, these matches are often an internationals fan’s best shot at seeing the players they admire from afar. The first match I ever attended was a friendly between F.C. Barcelona and Manchester United in Santa Clara, California. Seeing my football idols in the flesh was a moment that felt surreal.

Recently, during a weekend trip to Edinburgh, Scotland, I had the chance to watch Manchester United again, this time facing off against the mighty Rangers FC. The match was entertaining, but as someone who's been to a few preseason games, I’ve learned to keep my expectations in check. If you or someone you know is planning to watch a preseason friendly, here’s what you need to know.

First, understand that the stakes in these games are nowhere near those of a cup or league match. These are essentially practice games, a chance for managers to work on player fitness and to give rotational players valuable minutes at a higher level of competition. When the game kicked off in Edinburgh, I was excited to see stars like Onana, Jadon Sancho, and Casemiro on the field. But by the time the second half started, I could hardly recognize any of the United players, and the game noticeably dropped in intensity. From a fan’s perspective, this can be disappointing—you want to see your favorite stars play for the full 90 minutes. But from a manager’s point of view, it’s crucial to avoid overworking key players in a match that, ultimately, doesn’t count for much.

Second, don’t expect the same electric atmosphere you’d find at a regular-season match. With most fans at these games not being local to the club they’re watching, it’s impossible to replicate the roaring crowd of Old Trafford, where generations of die-hard fans pack the stands. The chants feel a bit off, there are no Ultras leading the charge, and many of the people in the stadium are tourists just like yourself. If you’re hoping for the same kind of atmosphere you’d get at a Premier League match, a preseason friendly might not be the event for you.

Lastly, be prepared for ticket prices that might feel a bit steep. While they’re generally cheaper than Premier League tickets, paying close to 90 quid for a match where the stars only play half the game can seem like a lot. And if you’re watching a friendly in the U.S., prices can soar to $200 or more, depending on who’s playing. It’s incredible to see how far the reach of these famous clubs extends globally, but that popularity comes with a price tag.

If you’re heading to a preseason match to catch a glimpse of a club you’ve been a lifelong fan of, I’d still highly recommend the experience. Just keep in mind the lower stakes, the different atmosphere, and the ticket prices, and you’ll have a much better idea of what to expect.