Cherries announce pre-season Spanish double header at Vitality Stadium

CHERRIES will face Champions League opposition in pre-season, with Girona visiting Vitality Stadium.

They are one of two La Liga clubs booked in for friendlies in Dorset in August, the other being head coach Andoni Iraola’s former club Rayo Vallecano.

Following their summer training camp in the USA, where they will face Wrexham on July 20, as well as another opponent to be confirmed, Cherries will return to England for two games at Vitality Stadium.

The first is against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, August 4 (3pm).

Iraola spent three years with the Madrid-based club, helping them clinch promotion up into the Spanish top-flight and securing mid-table finishes, as well as victories over the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona.

They are now managed by Inigo Perez, Iraola’s former assistant, who he tried to bring with him to Cherries, only for him to be denied due to work permit issues.

• Rayo Vallecano head coach Inigo Perez on failed AFC Bournemouth move

• Andoni Iraola on similarities between Bournemouth and Rayo Vallecano

• Still got it! Iraola's winning return as captain in Rayo Vallecano anniversary match

Rayo, who finished 17th in La Liga last season, recently celebrated their 100th anniversary with a match in which both Iraola and Perez featured.

The following weekend, Girona come to town.

Part of the group which also owns Manchester City, Girona defied the odds last season to finish third in the Spanish top flight and qualify for the Champions League.

They will face Cherries at Vitality Stadium on Saturday, August 10 (7pm), a week before the start of the Premier League season.

Tickets for the fixtures will be priced at £20 for adults, £16 concessions, £12 ambulant disabled, £7 Junior Cherries and £7 wheelchairs.

The club say additional ticket details and on-sale information will be announced in the week commencing June 24.

Supporters will be able to gain a home point towards their membership for each fixture they attend.