Madrid out to steal Barça's thunder

Barça boosted
Frank Rijkaard's side enter Saturday's match at Alavés having collected their first seasonal silverware, the Super Cup, and in high spirits. Barça might have made just two summer signings, free-transfer additions Santiago Ezquerro and Mark van Bommel, but Rijkaard has been boosted by the return of Gabri García, Thiago Motta, Sylvinho, Henrik Larsson and Edmílson - all of whom missed much of the last campaign through injury.

Familiar faces
Alavés, meanwhile, recently reinstated coach Chuchi Cos and count on several familiar faces in ex-Barça players Mauricio Pellegrino, Roberto Bonano and David Corominas. The last time the Blaugrana were in town, in March 2003, the game failed to produce any goals but if their pre-season is anything to go by, this may be a different story.

All eyes on Robinho
As usual, Madrid should be Barça's main title rivals with the arrival of Brazilian ace Robinho sparking much anticipation. The 21-year-old is likely to partner Ronaldo in attack with Raúl González and Zinedine Zidane taking turns to play just behind.

Freshness and fitness
Madrid fans also have high hopes for another Brazilian recruit, Júlio Baptista, who joined from Sevilla FC last month. Baptista scored 18 goals last term but judging from his limited summer showings, he needs a few outings to regain full fitness. Thomas Gravesen should keep his place in front of the back four although Pablo García, bought from CA Osasuna in June, will put pressure on the Dane.

Woodgate recovered
Another player facing a challenge is Jonathan Woodgate, who made his first-ever Madrid appearance as a late substiture in the midweek friendly against a United States representative side. The former Newcastle United FC defender spent a year out with a thigh muscle tear and will need time to acclimatise but should be incorporated into the team, vying for the centre-back slots currently occupied by Iván Helguera and Francisco Pavón.

Reserves fielded
Attacking right-back Carlos Diogo has impressed during pre-season and will be a useful understudy to Míchel Salgado. Indeed, coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo has made a point of involving all his reserve players, such as Roberto Soldado, Álvaro Mejía, Rubén De la Red and Diego López, at some stage this summer.

Surprise package
The 2005/06 campaign will be the acid test of Villarreal CF and Real Betis Balompié, who make UEFA Champions League debuts but must also try to ensure they remain around the top of the domestic table. Both sides did surprisingly well last season and others will be out to emulate them this.

Surprise package
Sevilla FC, who have reacted to the loss of Baptista by bringing in Luís Fabiano, Javier Saviola and Frédéric Kanouté, might be one of the teams to watch. Optimism is high also at Club Atlético de Madrid, who have found a strike partner for Fernando Torres in Mateja Kezman.