Villarreal midfielder Francis Coquelin says they'll be up for their Champions League opener against Atalanta.

La Dea will be Villarreal's next game after the weekend LaLiga fixture with Alaves was suspended.

Coquelin told the club's website: “We need to grow from there. We have an exciting challenge ahead of us in the Champions League. Not playing the match against Alavés is a shame, but it gives us more to prepare for our Champions League opener against Atalanta.

“Playing in the Champions League is very special and doing so with Villarreal is very special for me. Last year we put in a good performance in the Europa League, and now we've got this great challenge ahead of us.

“Atalanta are an attacking team, who play football well. I already played against them two years ago, but this year we are excited about having a good season in the Champions League in front of the public, which will help us a lot, and we are ready. Football is something else with them. They give us energy and they push us on. Our families will also be in the stands and that always gives you an extra. We want to have fun with them and for them to also have fun with us in LaLiga, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey."