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Rayo Vallecano v Atletico Madrid: Champions begin title defence
23 August 2014
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone is keen to avoid the tag of favourites when his side begin their Liga title defence at Rayo Vallecano.
The champions make the short trip across Madrid on Monday to open their league campaign, with Simeone having insisted in the build-up that they face a huge task to repeat the feats of 2013-14.
Atletico won La Liga on the final day of last term, finishing three points ahead of Barcelona and Real and in the process breaking the duopoly that has dominated the Spanish top flight since Valencia's title success in 2004.
They go into their season opener brimming with confidence following their 2-1 aggregate win over bitter rivals Real Madrid in the Spanish Supercopa, but the Argentinian is playing down expectations.
He said: "Barcelona, even in a bad season for them, almost won the league. And Madrid as well.
"If they had beaten Valencia [in their 35th game of the season] they would have been top.
"It is very difficult to compete across so many fixtures. But we are competitive over 90 minutes."
Atletico's recent history against Monday's hosts suggests they should at least be expected to start with a win and, although they lost 2-1 at Vallecas in February 2013, that is their only defeat to Rayo since 1999.
Simeone's men have also netted nine times in their last two meetings with their Madrid neighbours, but Rayo's close-season transfer dealings at least give them a reason for optimism.
Coach Paco Jemez has brought in Gael Kakuta, Javier Aquino, Jonathan Pereira, Leo Baptistao, Lica and Abdoulaye Ba have all on loan, while the free transfers of Jozabed and Alejandro Pozuelo add depth to their creative midfield.
Jemez will also take encouragement from the fact that he only has one certain absentee for the clash, as defender Antonio Amaya - a new arrival from relegated Real Betis - is expected to be out until mid-October with a tear in his thigh.
It remains to be seen, though, whether Baptistao will play - with both Atletico and Rayo staying silent on any potential clauses over facing his permanent employers in his loan deal from the champions.
Simeone has a few selection issues to contend with as Raul Garcia is suspended and Arda Turan (hamstring) could miss out, but the majority of his squad is available.
The former Argentina international may not be present on the bench, however, after he was sent off during the Supercopa win - with reports suggesting that he could be set for a ban.
Real Madrid v Cordoba: Ancelotti eyes recovery after Supercopa defeat
23 August 2014
Carlo Ancelotti expects his Real Madrid side to shake off Supercopa de Espana disappointment in Monday's La Liga opener against Cordoba.
The European champions were beaten 2-1 on aggregate by city rivals Atletico Madrid in the Supercopa - with Friday's 1-0 defeat at the Vicente Calderon ultimately proving Real's undoing.
Luka Modric's dismissal compounded a difficult night for Ancelotti's charges, but they have little time to dwell on the loss as they begin their league campaign at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real have not won the league since 2012 and were unable to take advantage of Barca's difficult campaign last time out as Atleti clinched their first title in 16 years.
While Ancelotti successfully delivered the Copa del Rey and La Decima to the Bernabeu faithful, the Italian will be under pressure to clinch La Liga this term, having completed the high-profile signings of Toni Kroos, James Rodriguez and Keylor Navas.
And the 55-year-old coach is confident that Real will not be knocked off course by the defeat to Atletico.
"The new season is going to be interesting for us," said Ancelotti, who has no fresh injury concerns ahead of Monday's clash.
"We have a side full of quality and we are going to try and do what we did last year. None of us have spoken about winning six titles.
"We will try and win all the titles we can. Now we start a new season and are looking forward to it. There are very competitive sides to come, like Atletico and Barcelona."
While Real begin their campaign with title ambitions, Cordoba make a return to the top flight for the first time in 42 years.
The visitors sealed their La Liga place in dramatic fashion in the second leg of the Segunda play-off final last term amid chaotic scenes and pitch invasions.
After a break in play, Cordoba got the away goal they needed against Las Palmas to ensure promotion but face a tough task at the Bernabeu despite Albert Ferrer bringing in the likes of Borja Garcia, Mike Havenaar and Jose Angel Crespo during the close-season.
Fidel is another new arrival at the club and the Elche loanee sees no reason why his new team-mates cannot cause a shock at the home of the 32-time Spanish champions.
"We're going to Madrid with all the enthusiasm in the world, with nothing to lose and to give the best image we possibly can," the 24-year-old said.
"Why can't we take something positive away from the match? You never know in football, there can always be surprises. We can give them a surprise in the first round."
Barcelona v Elche: Confidence flows as Luis Enrique era dawns
22 August 2014
Luis Enrique's Barcelona reign begins against Elche at Camp Nou, with Xavi backing his former team-mate to return silverware to the club.
The former Roma and Celta Vigo coach will take charge of the 22-time Spanish champions in La Liga for the first time on Sunday, having been drafted in to improve upon an underwhelming campaign under predecessor Gerardo Martino.
With Barca only winning the Supercopa de Espana last term, the 44-year-old has been tasked with bringing titles back to the club he spent eight years at and will have a wealth of new talent at his disposal.
Luis Suarez's biting ban rules him out until October while Thomas Vermaelen (hamstring) and Marc-Andre ter Stegen (back) must also wait for their competitive debuts but pre-season arrivals Ivan Rakitic, Claudio Bravo and Jeremy Mathieu could all feature.
Having been named Carles Puyol's successor as captain, Xavi feels Luis Enrique has the know-how and experience to ensure Barca win a major trophy this season - an achievement the former Spain international feels should be guaranteed.
"We have our own way of playing. Luis Enrique knows this house well and is quite clear on what the system is. When you see the team training, everything looks good and I think that all will be fine," the 34-year-old said on Friday.
"Of course, that has to be proved in the matches. We've made some good signings and the general feeling is very positive. The team management is clear on what it wants.
"He knows the club really well and knows that the level of demand is at its highest.
"We know that last year we didn't fulfil the objectives. Every year Barca deserves to win at least one major trophy."
Last season marked Elche's return to La Liga for the first time in 24 years and they ensured consecutive top-flight campaigns - a feat not achieved since 1977 - by finishing a point clear of the drop zone in 16th.
Fran Escriba has also been active in the transfer market over recent months, bringing in Mario Pasalic and Przemyslaw Tyton on loan from Chelsea and PSV respectively, making up for Colombia international Carlos Sanchez's departure to Aston Villa.
Escriba, who agreed a two-year contract extension during the close-season, will hope his side can spring an upset in Catalunya, with Barca potentially missing both Neymar and Pedro.
The Brazil international suffered an ankle sprain in midweek and could miss Sunday's fixture while Pedro is suffering with gastroenteritis.
Pedro scored in the corresponding fixture last term, a 4-0 victory, with Elche holding Barca to a goalless draw at the Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero later in the season.
Ancelotti: Di Maria is leaving but Khedira will stay
By Peter McVitie
Aug 24, 2014 12:46:00
The coach says the club did everything they could to convince the Argentine to stay but his mind could not be changed, before revealing the German will remain in Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Angel Di Maria will leave Real Madrid in the coming days.
The Argentine winger has been linked to a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu this summer and is understood to be close to securing a move to Manchester United after telling the European champions he wanted to leave.
Ancelotti confirmed the 26-year-old's wish has been granted but would not say where the former Benfica player was going.
"Di Maria has not come here to train, just to say goodbye," he told reporters. "It's not official yet, but everything is being sorted. We thanked him for what he has given the club and we wished him good luck.
"I have had a very good relationship with Di Maria. He has done a fantastic job at Real Madrid. We are able to replace him very well.
"It was his decision, because the club did everything possible to keep him, offering everything we could to have him here. He decided otherwise, so good luck to him."
The coach also shed light on the future of Sami Khedira, who has also been the subject of much speculation, saying he will stay in Madrid this season, before insisting the Spanish side will not look to make any more signings this summer.
"With Khedira, it is also solved. Khedira is staying, he is happy to stay and we are happy the issue is clarified."
"We are well covered. We have many players in midfield."
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has revealed Angel Di Maria has "said his goodbyes" ahead of a likely move to Manchester United.
The Argentina international has been heavily linked with a switch to Old Trafford in recent weeks and was left out of the Real squad for Friday's Supercopa de Espana second leg against Atletico Madrid.
Paris Saint-Germain are also among Di Maria's potential suitors, but Financial Fair Play restrictions appear to have halted their plans to bring him to the French capital.
However, the 26-year-old's departure now appears to be imminent.
"Angel Di Maria has said his goodbyes," Ancelotti is quoted as saying by Sport. "It's not official but the matter is resolved - it was his decision to leave."
World Cup winner Sami Khedira had also been linked with a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu, but Ancelotti has insisted the German is going nowhere - at least for the time being.
"He is happy here and he is staying," he added.
Arsenal had appeared to be among the frontrunners for Khedira's signature.
La Liga Review: Eibar make history, Luis Enrique gets winning Barca start
24 August 2014
Eibar claimed a historic 1-0 win over Real Sociedad in their La Liga debut, while Luis Enrique's reign as Barcelona coach began comfortably.
Basque club Eibar clinched the Segunda Division title last season to secure back-to-back promotions and they were in danger of having their place in the top flight taken away from them before even appearing in La Liga.
However, after raising the necessary funds demanded by the Spanish authorities, La Liga football arrived in the little town on Sunday and their supporters went home elated.
Real Sociedad unsurprisingly controlled possession for much of the match, but they were far less clinical than their Basque rivals.
Javi Lara netted the game's only goal on the stroke of half-time, striking with an incredible free-kick from a difficult angle and seeing his effort go in off the post.
Second-half substitute Carlos Vela spurned a couple of chances after the break and Diego Martinez went close late on, but Eibar held on to claim their maiden La Liga victory.
Former Roma and Celta Vigo coach Luis Enrique returned during the close-season to the club where he spent eight years of his playing career and witnessed Lionel Messi net a double in a straightforward 3-0 win over Elche at Camp Nou.
Recent arrivals Claudio Bravo, Jeremy Mathieu and Ivan Rakitic started alongside youngsters Munir El Haddadi and Rafinha in a new-look Barca line-up.
Yet, the first goal was familiar as Messi stroked into the bottom-right corner after a clever turn on the edge of the box.
A straight red card for Javier Mascherano just before the break appeared to give Elche a chance, but 18-year-old debutant Munir came up with an immediate response with a delightful improvised strike just after half-time.
Messi effectively wrapped up the win after the hour-mark, netting with another controlled effort after evading a couple of defenders to give Luis Enrique the ideal return to Camp Nou.
Luis Enrique's old side Celta were in action at the same time and they began their new era under coach Eduardo Berizzo with a 3-1 triumph over visitors Getafe.
Nolito broke the deadlock in the 20th minute as he squeezed a shot under Vicente Guaita and debutant Fabian Orellana doubled the advantage with an excellent solo effort with 56 minutes gone.
Sammir pulled one back just after the hour-mark, tapping in after a good run by Angel Lafita, but Joaquin Larrivey completed the win for Celta soon after with a poked finish in his first appearance for the club.
Villarreal also started the season with a win as Ikechukwu Uche and Denis Cheryshev scored second-half goals in a 2-0 win at Levante.
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has been handed an eight-match ban for his conduct during the second leg of the Supercopa de Espana.
The Argentine was sent from the touchline due to his over-exuberant protests in the 25th minute of the match against Real Madrid on Friday, and was seen to tap the fourth official on the back of the head twice in the aftermath.
Atletico went on to win the two-legged encounter 2-1 on aggregate, but Simeone's behaviour was expected to land him in hot water.
After eventually making his way down the tunnel, Simeone continued to flout the rules by making his way into the stands to watch the remainder of the encounter.
And the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) slapped Simeone - facing four different charges - with an eight-match suspension on Monday.
He will also be required to pay more than €4,000 in fines.
The suspension will see him missing from the dugout until October, sitting out Atleti's trip to Real on September 13.
Simeone has 10 days to appeal against his punishment.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti blamed his side's short turnaround in games for Monday's unconvincing 2-0 win over Cordoba.
Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo were both on target as Real opened their La Liga campaign with victory against newly promoted Cordoba at the Bernabeu.
Benzema made the breakthrough on the half-hour mark, rising highest to head home Toni Kroos' corner.
The match was in the balance up until the 90th minute, with Ronaldo sealing the points after finding the back of the net from long range.
Taking nothing away from Cordoba, who gave a good account for themselves, Ancelotti said two midweek fixtures against city rivals Atletico Madrid in the Supercopa de Espana took its toll.
"We were tired," he told reporters. "We only played three days ago, and it's not easy to go straight back into action after that amount of rest.
"Having said that though, I think we controlled the game.
"We're not at our best yet. We need to quicken the game up.
"But I'm sure that will come with time."
Ancelotti also leapt to the defence of on underfire striker Benzema, who ended his goal-scoring drought for the UEFA Champions League winners.
Benzema's opener on Monday was his first for the club since netting the match-winner in the home tie of their Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich in April - a run of nine games.
"When a striker like Karim score everyone is happier," the Italian tactician said of Benzema, who scored three goals for France at the World Cup in Brazil.
"I've always appreciated the work he has done in the previous games even if he hasn't scored.
"He is not fit enough like the rest of the team mates, but it would be much concern if he was.
"We've just started today and obviously we have to be quicker and have more velocity in the game, but the most important is to win, struggling, but at the end everything was ok."
Javier Mascherano has put pen to paper on a new four-year deal at Barcelona.
The Argentina international agreed fresh terms at Camp Nou in June before heading to the World Cup in Brazil, where he helped his country reach the final.
However, the versatile 30-year-old continued to be linked with a move away from the Catalan club, with Serie A outfit Napoli and former club Liverpool touted as possible destinations.
Barca quickly dismissed speculation of a possible exit and revealed earlier this month that Mascherano would sign his new contract imminently.
And the club announced on Tuesday that Mascherano will be staying until at least 2018, with the option of a further 12-month extension also included in the agreement.
"I am very happy to continue at this great club and share a dressing room with great players," Mascherano told Barca's official website.
"The hope for this season is that things go very well. We have renewed hopes after having lived through a season with difficult moments.
"The idea is to have commitment to this club until the last day of my contract."
Mascherano - whose buyout clause is €100million - moved to Barca from Liverpool in August 2010.
During his time in Spain, he has won two Liga titles, as well as the UEFA Champions League and Copa del Rey.
Mascherano was sent off as Barca started their new league campaign with a 3-0 victory over Elche on Sunday.
Manchester United have shattered the British transfer record to bring Real Madrid star Angel di Maria to Old Trafford for £59.7million.
Di Maria has put pen to paper on a five-year contract with United after the clubs agreed a fee just under £10m more than Chelsea paid Liverpool for Fernando Torres to set the previous UK benchmark in January 2011.
The midfielder said: "I am absolutely delighted to be joining Manchester United. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Spain and there were a lot of clubs interested in me, but United is the only club that I would have left Real Madrid for.
"Louis van Gaal is a fantastic coach with a proven track record of success and I am impressed by the vision and determination everyone has to get this club back to the top – where it belongs. I now just cannot wait to get started."
United had been consistently linked with a move for Argentina midfielder Di Maria throughout the transfer window, with the former Benfica man having slipped down the pecking order at the Santiago Bernabeu following the close-season arrivals of James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos.
The 26-year-old becomes the Premier League club's fourth new recruit of the transfer window after the purchases of Luke Shaw, Ander Herrera and Marcos Rojo.
New manager Louis van Gaal is said to be keen on making further signings before next Monday's deadline, with Daley Blind and Nigel de Jong also reported to be on his shopping list.
Di Maria, who played a key role in helping Argentina reach this year's World Cup final, scored 36 goals in 190 appearances for Real after joining from Benfica in June 2010.
Much speculation has raged over exactly where Di Maria will fit into the 3-4-1-2 system utilised by United so far this season.
While not revealing any details on how the Argentinian will fit into his plans, Van Gaal expressed delight at the capture.
The Dutchman added: "Angel is a world-class midfielder but most importantly he is a team player. There is no doubting his immense natural talent.
"He is a tremendously fast and incisive left-footed player who puts fear into the most accomplished defence. His dribbling skills and his ability to take on and beat opponents are a joy to watch. He is an excellent addition to the team."
The midfielder, who played a key role in his country's historic run of three successive major international title triumphs, says "the time has come" for him to walk away
Xabi Alonso has announced his retirement from international football after earning 114 caps for Spain.
The Real Madrid midfielder was a key component in the side that made history by winning three successive major tournaments: Euro 2008, World Cup 2010 and Euro 2012.
Alonso's Roja career appeared to end on a low, with the country having suffered a shock first-round exit at Brazil 2014 this summer, but the 32-year-old insists that he has nothing but found memories of his time with the national team.
"I want to report that I have finshed my time with Spain national," the Basque wrote in an open letter published on Sefutbol.com.
"The hardest part is knowing when to say goodbye and, after much thought, I think that time has come.
"I end with a glorious national team career that began over 11 years ago, having been part of a historical generation that has fulfilled the dream of millions of fans, doing something as unique as winning a World Cup and two European Championships in four years.
"Since April 30, 2003, when I made my debut at just 21, I have experienced only good times, so I have only words of thanks to all those with whom I have shared more than a decade.
"I want to thank all my coaches, team-mates and the millions of fans who have always shown me kindness and respect.
"Inaki Saez, the unforgettable Luis Aragones and Vicente del Bosque are figures that I will always carry with me for having helped me grow professionally and personally.
"I could not list all the colleagues with whom I have shared this shirt, but I want to thank each and every one of them for all you have shown me and taught me during this memorable period of my life.
"Thanks to Real Sociedad, Liverpool and Real Madrid for opening the doors to be part of a single dream. All my clubs have always helped and supported me to make it happen.
"Finally, I want to convey my sincere thanks to the fans. We dream together and share the glory together. We had many unforgettable moments.
"Good luck to all who continue to work and fight for this shirt, with the absolute conviction that they will achieve new successes.
"Thank you all and goodbye."
Alonso's retirement means that Spain have now lost two of the principal protoganists in their unprecedent period of dominance, with Barcelona playmaker Xavi having announced his retirement from international football shortly earlier this summer.
Adriano set to make Barcelona return from heart problem
By Mark Doyle
Aug 27, 2014 13:38:00
The Brazilian has been sidelined since July 16 because of an irregular heartbeat but the club have confirmed that the full-back is available for Sunday's Liga trip to Villarreal
Barcelona defender Adriano has been given the all-clear to return to action just over a month after being diagnosed with a heart murmur.
The cardiac condiation was detected on July 16 and resulted in the versatile full-back sitting out his club's entire pre-season programme, as well as last weekend's Liga opener against Elche.
However, Adriano is now in contention to make his comeback in Sunday's meeting with Villarreal at El Madrigal.
"The Brazilian received the medical all-clear after training this Wednesday morning," read a statement on Barca's official website.
Adriano's return to full training comes less than 24 hours after the Catalans confirmed the imminent arrival of another Brazilian full-back at Camp Nou, with Sao Paulo's Douglas is set to seal a €5.5 million move to Barcelona later in the week.
La Liga Preview: Saul not worried by Simeone absence, Barca face tough Villarreal test
27 August 2014
Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul is not concerned about German Burgos deputising for coach Diego Simeone during his touchline ban.
Simeone picked up an eight-game suspension after being sent to the stands during Atletico's Supercopa second leg against Real Madrid last week and reacting by tapping the fourth official on the head.
The first match of the coach's ban saw defending Liga champions Atletico - who have still not been officially presented with the league trophy - stutter to an unconvincing 0-0 draw at Madrid neighbours Rayo Vallecano on Monday.
Simeone's assistant and former Argentina team-mate Burgos took charge at the Estadio Vallecas and he will do so again as newly promoted Eibar head to the Vicente Calderon on Saturday.
Although Atletico find themselves playing catch-up on title favourites Barcelona and Real Madrid after just one game, Saul does not feel Burgos being in charge represents a disadvantage.
"He always spreads everything he has to us; his winning spirit, confidence," the 19-year-old said.
"Of course, you can see that. German is doing immense work.
"It is very difficult to suddenly have this punishment [Simeone's ban] and [for Burgos to] have to play this role, but we know that he is prepared for it."
Eibar go into the fixture on the back of winning their first ever top-flight fixture after beating Real Sociedad 1-0 on Saturday.
Atletico will be hoping to kick-start their campaign against the Basque side, particularly with both Real and Barca facing potentially tricky trips following their wins on matchday one.
Luis Enrique's Barca head to Villarreal on Sunday and they will be aiming to produce a more convincing performance at El Madrigal than they did last term.
After falling 2-0 down, Barca – who were then coached by Gerardo Martino – had to rely on three goals in the final 25 minutes to snatch victory.
Real make the trip to San Sebastian on Sunday to face Real Sociedad and they will be looking to continue their excellent recent run against the side of under-pressure Jagoba Arrasate.
Last term Carlo Ancelotti's side accumulated a 9-1 scoreline against Sociedad over the course of the two league meetings.
Europa League champions Sevilla travel to Barcelona on Saturday as both they and Espanyol hope to move past opening-day draws, while Athletic Bilbao host Levante just three days after their Champions League play-off win against Napoli.
The other two newcomers Cordoba and Deportivo La Coruna have home games to look forward to, with Celta Vigo and Rayo their respective visitors.
In Friday's matches, Malaga face the tough task of leaving Valencia with a result, while Getafe welcome Almeria to Coliseum Alfonso Perez and the weekend finishes with Granada's trip to Elche.
Real Sociedad v Real Madrid: Ancelotti´s men on the road after departures
29 August 2014
Real Madrid travel to Real Sociedad for Sunday's La Liga fixture following the high-profile departures of Angel di Maria and Xabi Alonso.
With limited time remaining in the transfer window, Santiago Bernabeu bosses allowed Di Maria to leave for Manchester United and Alonso for Bayern Munich in midweek.
The pair had formed a key part of Real's successes in recent seasons, but coach Carlo Ancelotti still boasts a wealth of options at his disposal.
Ancelotti's men opened the league season with a 2-0 win over Cordoba on Monday courtesy of goals from Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo.
However, the hosts were far from their fluent best and were forced to stand firm amid plenty of pressure from the visitors after the break.
The European champions will be hopeful of finding their attacking rhythm at the Anoeta - a place they have not lost at since the 2003-04 campaign.
Sociedad have struggled against Ancelotti's side recently, with Madrid putting nine goals past them last term.
Furthermore, the hosts go into the fixture off the back of a UEFA Europa League exit - Jagoba Arrasate's side suffering a 3-1 aggregate defeat to Russian outfit Krasnodar.
Toni Kroos, who made his league debut for Real on Monday and will be expected to help fill the void left by Alonso, expects a difficult test when they visit the Basque Country.
"I felt very comfortable on the pitch [against Cordoba]," the German said.
"The visit to Real Sociedad will be difficult but we will go all out for victory in the Anoeta.
"We will have a big battle in the Anoeta against Real Sociedad. It will be tough."
In a week where Madrid learnt their Champions League group opponents, Arrasate's men surrendered a one-goal lead to bow out of Europe courtesy of a horror show late on at the Kuban Stadium.
Three goals in the final 19 minutes ended Sociedad's hopes of progressing to the group stages, but Arrasate hopes to see a reaction from his charges when Madrid come to town.
"The result gives us a lot of sadness and anger. It’s a hard blow but it will make us stronger," Marca quotes him as saying.
Sociedad have no fresh injury concerns although they could still be without Alfred Finnbogason, Ion Ansotegi and Jon Gaztanaga.
Carlos Vela may make his full return, having come off the bench against Krasnodar on Thursday.
Villarreal v Barcelona: Rakitic grounded after promising start
29 August 2014
Ahead of Sunday's trip to Villarreal, Ivan Rakitic is not getting carried away by Barcelona's winning start to the Liga campaign.
Luis Enrique enjoyed a victorious league debut in charge of the club he spent eight years at as a player, with a Lionel Messi brace helping Barca see off Elche at Camp Nou on Sunday.
Munir El Haddadi also got on the scoresheet in a 3-0 triumph that saw Claudio Bravo, Jeremy Mathieu and Rakitic make their Liga debuts for the club.
Marcelino Garcia Toral's Villarreal have also enjoyed a positive start to the season, seeing off Levante 2-0 on Sunday and moving into the UEFA Europa League group stages at the expense of Astana.
Rakitic looked impressive in Barca's midfield against Elche but is keen to remain grounded ahead of a clash with last season's sixth-placed side.
"I'm glad people appreciate the work I'm doing but we've only played one league game - there's a long season ahead of us," Rakitic explained ahead of the trip to El Madrigal.
"I'll be contributing everything I've got and I'll be working as hard as I can.
"I'm more motivated than ever to continue giving the best I can."
Although Barcelona completed a league double over Villarreal last season, ex-Sevilla man Rakitic expects a strong test against a side led by Marcelino, one of his former coaches at Sevilla.
"It's a team I know quite well from inside, we know what Villarreal are like as a team. They are very strong," the Croatian added.
"They work on all aspects of the game and I know Marcelino is a very hard-working manager.
"He always gets 100 per cent out of his players so we need to work hard as we know it's going to be a very difficult game."
Marcelino will hope two former La Masia graduates, Giovani dos Santos and Javier Espinosa, can prove a point against their former employers, while recent recruit Denis Cheryshev will be eager to build on his goalscoring debut.
The former Real Madrid man was on target against Levante and recently paid tribute to Marcelino's impact - having arrived from the Santiago Bernabeu in June.
"I'm very happy here, the coach is showing a great deal of confidence in me," Cheryshev told the Villarreal's official website.
"I want to grow as a player here, score goals and achieve big things."
Rafinha and Neymar both returned to full training with Barca on Friday, although the latter is yet to be given the all-clear to return from an ankle injury.
Thomas Vermaelen (hamstring) and Marc-Andre Ter Stegen (back) remain sidelined, while Ikechukwu Uche and Bojan Jokic (both knee) look set to miss out for Villarreal.
Xabi Alonso insists his departure for Bayern Munich has nothing to do with Toni Kroos' close-season arrival at Real Madrid.
Kroos moved to the Santiago Bernabeu for an undisclosed fee in July, increasing Carlo Ancelotti's midfield options, and Alonso's exit was then confirmed on Friday, with the player signing a two-year contract at the Allianz Arena.
However, asked whether the added competition was a factor in his decision, Alonso said: "Not at all. He's a great player.
"I think we could have played a lot of minutes together.
"It goes beyond that. Real Madrid have everything planned. The midfield is well covered.
"I do not think my absence will be felt. Madrid have a great squad."
Alonso also revealed he had only become aware of Bayern's pursuit of him in the past fortnight.
"Bayern's interest is recent," he said. "Within the last two weeks.
"Having won La Decima I see there is a new cycle for everyone."
Bayern coach Pep Guardiola, who also signed Mehdi Benatia from Roma this week, hopes Alonso can provide cover for the loss of Javi Martinez with a knee injury.
"I was very happy with our squad but after Javi's injury we decided we need another couple of players," he said. "Benatia is a centre-back who's good in the air and good going forwards.
"Everyone knows Alonso. He's a great personality and has a lot of experience. Both are very good signings for the club.
"We need a player with Alonso's qualities and he's a very intelligent player in his position."
Barcelona have completed the signing of Brazilian full-back Douglas Pereira on a five-year contract.
The Catalan giants announced that a deal had been agreed with Sao Paulo for the 24-year-old's services on Wednesday.
Douglas has now completed his medical and penned terms at Camp Nou until 2019.
Barca have paid an initial €4million to the Brazilian side, with an extra €1.5million due dependant on appearances.
"After a busy day which included his medical...the Brazilian came to the club offices this evening to [put] pen to paper on the five year deal worth 4million Euros, with a further 1.5 million depending on the number of games he plays," read a statement on Barca's official website.
The Brazil Under-20 international joined Sao Paulo in 2012 and was part of the side that clinched the Copa Sudamericana two years ago.
He will provide direct competition at full-back for compatriot Dani Alves.
Douglas is the latest defensive reinforcement for Barca, who had already brought in Thomas Vermaelen and Jeremy Mathieu during the current transfer window.
La Liga Review: Disjointed Real Madrid beaten, Barca win
31 August 2014
Real Sociedad came from behind to stun an off-colour Real Madrid 4-2 in La Liga, while Barcelona won again on Sunday.
It appeared European champions Real Madrid would emphatically put worries over a poor start to the season behind them when they flew out of the blocks, Gareth Bale's neat finish adding to Sergio Ramos' header to secure a 2-0 lead after 11 minutes.
But they missed a series of other chances during a dominant start and were made to pay the price as Inigo Martinez pulled a goal back.
Suddenly full of confidence, Sociedad took control thereafter, David Zurutuza's double added to by Carlos Vela to secure an incredible triumph.
It left Real Madrid on three points through two league games, while the win was Sociedad's first of the campaign.
Debutant Sandro was the unlikely hero as Barcelona left it late to snatch a 1-0 victory at Villarreal and be the only team in the league with a perfect record.
Barca toiled on a poor El Madrigal pitch and against a stubborn home defence until 19-year-old Sandro came off the bench to score a scrappy 82nd-minute winner in his first La Liga appearance.
A goal-fest was played out at Estadio Riazor, where Deportivo La Coruna and the visiting Rayo Vallecano drew 2-2 thanks to Isaac Cuenca's last-gasp penalty for the hosts.
Jose Rodriguez fired Deportivo into a seventh-minute lead, yet they were pegged back as Alberto Bueno headed home an equaliser before producing a close-range 73rd-minute goal to put his side in front.
It appeared his efforts would prove decisive until Abdoulaye Ba handled in the area, paving the way for Cuenca to secure a share of the spoils.
David Lomban scored a dramatic late equaliser to see Elche play out a 1-1 draw at home to Granada.
