BARROW AFC will play Spanish Third Division side Real Union Club as part of their pre-season build up.

The Bluebirds will host the Basque outfit at Holker Street on Saturday, July 27.

The Spaniards were one of the founding clubs La Liga, but have not been part of the top flight since the early 1930s.

They have won the Copa del Rey three times and in 2008 they were the first Segunda Division B side to knock Spanish giants Real Madrid out of the competition – beating the Galacticos on away goals.

The club president is Igor Emery, brother of Aston Villa Unai Emery, who also owns a stake in Real Union Club.

The announcement of the clash with the Spaniards finalises the pre-season friendly programme for the Cumbrians.

Barrow start the pre-season preparations away to Holker Old Boys on July 6, in what has become an annual game.

They have further friendlies on the road as they go away to FC United of Manchester on Saturday, July 13, and to Rugby Park to face Scottish Premier League outfit Kilmarnock on Friday, July 19 (7pm kick-off).

The Bluebirds then have home games against Stockport County on Tuesday July 23, AFC Fylde on Tuesday, July 30 and Wigan Athletic on August 3.