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Spain: Alaves, Cadiz face Primera Liga baptism of fire [Fri Aug 26th, 2005]
Madrid (Reuters) - Alaves and Cadiz face a baptism of fire on their return to the top flight when they host champions Barcelona and a trophy-hungry Real Madrid on the opening weekend of the Spanish season.
Alaves, who reached the final of the UEFA Cup in 2001 before being relegated two seasons later, are in bullish mood ahead of the match against Barca (kickoff 2000 GMT).
"We've got better players than Barca and my team is far better value for money," said club president Dimitry Piterman.
Barcelona, who won the Spanish Super Cup last weekend despite a 2-1 second-leg defeat at home by Real Betis, have added just two players to their championship-winning squad during the close season.
Dutch midfielder Mark van Bommel and Spanish winger Santi Ezquerro have joined as free agents, while the return of Brazil midfielder Edmilson, Sweden striker Henrik Larsson and the versatile Gabri from long-term knee injuries has also boosted the squad.
Coach Frank Rijkaard has warned his players they will have to demonstrate the same levels of ambition, determination and discipline as last season if they are to retain their title.
"It's a new season and we are starting from scratch once again," he said. "We have to work with confidence and responsibility."
DAUNTING OPENER
Cadiz, who dropped out of the Primera Liga back in 1993 and won the second division title last season, face a daunting opener when they host Real Madrid on Sunday (1900 GMT).
The last time the Andalucians opened against Real in the 1987-88 season they lost 4-0. That game marked the debut of present coach Victor Esparrago during his first spell in charge.
Real have undergone a 60-million euro makeover in the close season, bringing in Brazilian forwards Julio Baptista and Robinho, and Uruguayan duo Pablo Garcia and Carlos Diogo.
Of the new recruits only Julio Baptista is likely to make the starting line-up. Garcia and Diogo will start on the bench and Robinho arrived in the Spanish capital on Friday to complete his US$30 million move from Santos.
Real coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo says his new-look team will need time to bed in.
"The team isn't quite the way I would like it to be at this stage, but little by little I'm sure it will improve," said the Brazilian.
There are several other appetising clashes on the opening weekend including the Basque derby between Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad and the duel between Valencia and Real Betis.
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