Preseason matches

The pre-season matches are now over, and the league begins this weekend in earnest. Although results in friendly games are no real indication of league form, most of the big clubs can be reasonably happy with their preparation.

Deportivo have already won their first official trophy, the Spanish supercup, and also ran out winners in their own Teresa Herrera tournament. Barcelona's new side are fitting together well, with an all important victory in the Champions League qualifier, and Valencia, Betis and Celta have all had successful starts in friendly games (although Valencia did look a poor side in the supercup).

Real Madrid have come good recently, and now have a chance to start their season well with the European supercup game in Monaco tomorrow night. Their opening league game with Espanyol has been postponed to Monday night as a result. Espanyol themselves have got off to a shaky start though, as have Atlético Madrid. Both clubs have renewed almost half of their squads this summer, and have yet to settle in to their rhythm. (29.08.02)