Preview: Villarreal-La Real

Santi Cazorla prepares for his first Liga match in six years as Villarreal host Real Sociedad in the opening round.

Villarreal boss Javier Calleja on Cazorla, La Real and Carlos Bacca’s return: “Cazorla has many possibilities, like the rest of the squad.

“I see him in a good way, at 100 percent and with the confidence that he’ll play the whole game.

“We’ll be facing a great team, but I expect a brave Villarreal, who want the ball and look for their opponents’ goal.

“Bacca gives us goals, spark and experience, but the market is still open for us.”

La Real boss Asier Garitano on the Yellow Submarine and former Arsenal midfielder: “They’re a team who have had a very defined idea for a long time.

“They’re a good team, who demand a lot of you, and they come in from a great season and playing in Europe, but we have to promote the good things we have ourselves.

“I’m very glad that, after a lot of injuries and difficult moments, a player like him can get back on the field.

“It’s very good for football because it’s nice to see him play, even if we’ll suffer.”

Villarreal (probable): Asenjo; Mario, Funes Mori, Ruiz, Jaume; Layun, Caseres, Fornals; Cazorla; Ekambi, Gerard

Injuries/suspensions: Moya, Januzaj, Guridi (I)

Real Sociedad (probable): Rulli; Zaldua, Diego Llorente, Hector Moreno, Theo; Merino, Illarramendi; Oyarzabal, Zubeldia, Pardo; Willian Jose

Injuries/suspensions: Bonera, Fuego, Bruno (I) Nahuel (S)

Referee: Melero Lopez

Previous meeting: Villarreal 4-2 La Real

Venue: La Ceramica

Kick-off time: 19:15 BST/20:15 local time 

La Liga - Club News