Regional matches

Andalucia 3 - Chile 2

As usual at this time of year, several of the autonomous regions in Spain play friendly matches against international sides. Andalucia started things off with a game against Chile which they won 3-2, thanks to second half goals from Jesuli, Raúl Molina and Manu. The side was captained by Real Madrid's Fernando Hierro, who had announced that he was playing his last match for them.

The Valencia regional side lost 1-2 against a Yugoslavia team which contained four players who ply their trade in Spain. One of them, Levante's Mijatovic, scored the opening goal early on, and although Moreno levelled the scores for the Spaniards, Ljuboja gave the East Europeans the win in the second half. (27.12.02)

Asturias 5 - Honduras 3

A goal feast at Avilés, where Asturias beat Honduras 5-3. Although missing Luis Enrique and Juanele, the locals were three up in a quarter of an hour through Abelardo, Mario and Oli. David Villa and Miguel scored the other two goals either side of half time, giving them a comfortable victory despite a hat-trick by Saúl Martínez for the Central Americans.

Euskadi 1 - Macedonia 1

Euskadi is another side who have played on a regular basis at this time of year, and they were held to a 1-1 draw by Macedonia despite dominating for much of the game. The Basques hit the woodwork three times in the first half and took the lead through Bolo a quarter of an hour from the end, but Saciri made it all square a few minutes later.

Balearic Islands 0 - Malta 2

The Balearic Islands were defeated 0-2 by Malta in their first ever game. Although Serra Ferrer's side were on top in the first half, the numerous substitutions after the break weakened the team and the visitors scored through Adrian Mifsud and Turner later on.

Catalonia 2 - China 0

Cataluña returned to the playing fields after their defeat by Brazil last May to beat China 2-0. Roger scored the first before the break after Curro Torres laid the ball back and Luque added the second later on. Over 60,000 fans turned up to watch their side, which was captained once again by Guardiola. China lined up with six of their World Cup players in the side. (28.12.02)