Barrow break new ground tomorrow when, for the first time, they host a Spanish third-division side, Real Union at Holker Street’s SO Legal Stadium.
The Spanish side is best known for being one of the founding members of La Liga in 1929, however, after their relegation in 1932, the side failed to return to its previous heights and has featured in the third tier since 1999.
The club’s majority shareholder is Premier League manager, Unai Emery, who is a fan of the Spaniard side. He purchased a controlling stake in the club in 2021, as it was the same club his father and grandfather played for.
Last campaign saw Union escape relegation, finishing the season in 15th spot with just one point separating the gap to 16th. A big result in the campaign came in their penultimate fixture against Fuenlabrada, when Union scored in extra time, to secure all three points in their push for safety.
The game was played under hard weather conditions, with heavy rain on the pitch throughout, but it didn’t faze Escobar or Imanol Baz who scored the winning goals in the 2-1 victory.
Real Union are currently managed by Spaniard, Mikel Llorente who is currently on his second first-team managerial role, with his first role coming back at Hondarribia.
Llorente has only just stepped through the door, only being in the hot seat for 26 days tomorrow, with this fixture being his second game in charge of the Spaniards. Since joining the club as manager, Llorente has taken charge of one friendly against SD Eibar, a game which ended in a hard fought 1-1 draw.
A key player is star striker Anton who began his career at Polvorín FC where he made a name for himself as a goal scorer, netting 20 goals in 35 games. The striker then went on to roam around a few clubs before settling at CD Arentiro, but his emphatic form earned him the move to Real Union last season scored 12 goals in 37 appearances.
The Bluebirds’ were last in action a week ago when they lost 5-0 to Scottish Premiership side Kilmarnock, which was the last friendly before the Scots faced Cercle Brugge in the Europa League Qualifying Round when it finished 1-1 at Rugby Park last night.
For the game against the Spanish side manager Stephen Clemence will be without Mazeed Ogungbo and Sam Barnes, who have picked up knocks.
