Pre-season fixtures

After the initial warm up games the bigger clubs start their international tours, guaranteed money-spinners to boost the swelling (and in some cases depleted) coffers. Barcelona and Real Madrid are both heading west this summer, with the Blaugrana playing four matches in Mexico and the United States (mainly against Mexican opposition), and the Merengues making a brief trip to the States to play in Salt Lake City and Seattle. Atlético Madrid and Sevilla will be Spain's representatives in the Far East this year, Aguirre's side taking part in the Shanghai tournament and the Andalusians playing a couple of fixtures in Japan. (05.08.06)