Villarreal vs Real Valladolid preview - Villarreal back in the big time

Posted Friday, August 23, 2013 by PA

Villarreal coach Marcelino Garcia Toral wants his side to give their supporters something to smile about as Primera Division football returns to El Madrigal following a 15-month absence with the visit of Real Valladolid.

The Yellow Submarine faithful had enjoyed a decade of unprecedented highs following their team before the club's shock relegation from the top flight at the end of the 2011/12 season - having finished fourth the previous season.

Now, after winning promotion back to the elite at the first attempt, Villarreal are chomping at the bit to play their first home match back in the Primera Division.

Marcelino, whose side opened their campaign with 3-2 win at Almeria on Monday, said: "This is a nice attractive game. After what we went through last season, this is a match that we've waited for for a long time.

"Now we want to have a good game and give our fans something to enjoy."

Marcelino is not expecting it to be easy against Valladolid, but admits the absence of forward Patrick Ebert is a boost for his side.

The German winger scored six goals in 21 appearances in his first season with Valladolid last term and was also on the scoresheet in their 2-1 defeat to Athletic Bilbao last weekend, but he will miss at least the next two matches with a hamstring injury.

Marcelino, who has kept faith with the same group of players who started the season with a win, said: "For me, the absence of Ebert is an important loss in attack for them.

"It will be a difficult game, but we are playing at home and we're well. I think we'll have our chances to get this victory. It would be very good to be able to start with two victories against teams who are direct rivals."

Valladolid coach Juan Ignacio Martinez, meanwhile, has warned his players of the threat posed by Villarreal going forward.

He said: "They are a team who are explosive up front. They are a team who can create danger with two or three touches."