Pre-season friendlies

Squads are now back together and playing the first of their pre-season fixtures. Barcelona have got off to a good start with victories over Juventus and AC Milan in the United States, new signings Quaresma and Ronaldinho making their mark. Meanwhile on the other side of the world Real Madrid are drawing record crowds in China, with over 20,000 turning up just to watch a squad warm up game. Their first official game was played today, with David Beckham making his debut in a 0-4 victory against an all-star side, the Dragons team. Figo opened the scoring late in the first half, and Morientes (2) and Portillo finished things off with most of the big names already off the park.

Elsewhere Gallicia's Deportivo La Coruña and Celta Vigo had problems in their build ups for the Champions League qualifiers later this month. Depor lost their presentation match against Porto 0-2 and Celta not only had three players sent off in a brawl late in their opening game in Holland, but also had their coach driver booked for speeding a couple of days later. Oops! (02.08.03)