MIDDLESBROUGH will round off their pre-season programme with a high-profile home game against Spanish side Villarreal.

Boro will host the former Champions League semi-finalists at the Riverside on Saturday, August 2 (3pm), a week before the opening day of the Championship season.

Villarreal last played Boro in the UEFA Cup group stages in November 2004 when they inflicted the first defeat on Steve McClaren's side with a 2-0 victory at their El Madrigal Stadium.

Villarreal went on to reach the semi-finals of the competition that season, and finished sixth in La Liga last term.

Ticket details for the game will be announced in due course.

Boro start their pre-season campaign with a visit to newly-promoted League One side Rochdale at Spotland on Saturday, July 26 (3pm).

Aitor Karanka's squad then travel to League Two neighbours Hartlepool on Wednesday, July 30 (7.30pm).