Spanish football season kicks off this weekend

The Spanish Primera Liga football season starts this weekend, and Real Mallorca host their first game against the millionaires of Real Madrid. Mallorca have had a tough time of late as they were not allowed to enter into this year's Europa League because of financial difficulties. But with a new coach in the form of Danish  ex-international Michael Laudrup, the team hope to start the season with a win.

Earlier this year tennis star and local man Rafael Nadal took a stake the club in an effort to help the club with its financial situation. Nadal is a keen football fan and his uncle, Miguel Angel Nadal - a football legend in Spain - has joined as Laudrup’s assistant.

They face a strong Real Madrid team, who also have a new coach, the infamous Jose Mourinho. Mallorca acknowledge that the game will be tough but have confidence that they can take advantage of Real Madrid's poor pre-season results. Mallorca have a strong home record, winning 15 of their 19 home matches last season.

In a press conference on Friday afternoon, Laudrup said that his players are raring to go against Madrid.

He said, 'I trust my team and I know my players will try their best to win. To encourage the team has not been necessary.

'That is one of the problems big teams face – their rivals always take the field very motivated, and I say this from experience.'

The game is on Sunday evening, kick-off is at 9pm.

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