Villareal locks in duels with Adelaide and Roar

Spanish powerhouse Villarreal has confirmed it will face both Brisbane Roar and Adelaide United in the 2015 LFP World Club Challenge, with the games locked in at Coopers Stadium on 29 May and Suncorp Stadium on 3 June.

Spanish giant Villareal is to face Adelaide United and Brisbane in May and June (EFE) Source: EFE

The team known as the Yellow Submarine takes on the Australian duo as part of the invitational tournament which involves some of Spain’s top teams challenging clubs in Europe, South America, North America and Asia.

Three-time A-League champion Brisbane takes on the currently sixth-placed La Liga team six weeks before its highly-anticipated match against English Premier League giant Liverpool at the same venue.

“Villarreal is one of Spain’s most well-known clubs and we’re delighted to welcome them to Brisbane and to be involved in the LFP World Challenge,” said Roar CEO Sean Dobson.

“This is another great chance for our members and fans to see world-class football in Brisbane, making this off-season one to be enjoyed."

Adelaide, which also faces Liverpool, confirmed Villarreal as its second La Liga opponent less than 12 months after hosting Malaga at Adelaide Oval last July.

More than 23,000 fans attended that clash Adelaide Oval in a fixture which took football to the venue for the first time since its $535 million redevelopment.

Founded in 1923, Villarreal won the UEFA Intertoto Cup in 2003 and 2004 and finished La Liga runner-up in in 2008.

With Villareal committed to bringing its strongest possible squad to Australia, Adelaide United chairman Greg Griffin said: "The LFP World Challenge is a prestigious tournament instigated in order to promote the Spanish professional league competitions, their participating clubs, the values of football and the Spanish brand worldwide.

"We are honoured to again participate and bring one of Spain's most famous clubs in Villareal to Adelaide.

"As those who were at Adelaide Oval last year can testify a top six La Liga team is of a very high quality and Villareal play a very attractive brand of football.

“Both teams will be in full competition mode at the end of each of our respective domestic competitions, so it will be a great opportunity to test ourselves against one of Spain's top clubs at our own Coopers Stadium where the atmosphere will be fantastic as always.”

Head coach Josep Gombau is relishing the opportunity to face another Spanish team.

“This is another good chance for everybody in Adelaide to see one of the best Spanish La Liga teams,” said Gombau.

“They play very good and attractive football where we also get the chance to play and compare ourselves with a team that implements the same style as us.

“Last year we brought out Malaga, and they play fantastic football. The people of Adelaide got to see this and they will have the chance to see it all again.

“It will also be a good way to end the season. It will be a fantastic game in front of our fans at our stadium. I hope to see everyone out supporting us.”