Pre-season Fixtures 2004/2005

As usual there will be an intensive programme of pre-season matches, this year starting early July and going on to the end of August, when the league season starts again. We set out below the most important games involving first division clubs. NB. Games completed in red, pending in blue, changes since our last report highlighted in bold. See aslo friendly fixtures section for matches taking place during the league season. (01.09.04)

3 and 10 Jul Intertoto cup second round
Intertoto cup second round. Villarreal entered at this stage. The first leg was away on 3rd July against OB Odense (Denmark) with the Spaniards running out 0-3 winners, and the return leg was a week later, with Pellegrini's side winning 2-0. (see separate section on Intertoto cup).
Played friendly against regional side Navata on 4/7
(W 0-10; Guayre 4, Víctor 3, Gonzalo Rodríguez etc).
16-23 Jul Barcelona summer programme
Barça started off without their Euro 2004 players at Perelda near the Costa Brava for a few days up to 20th July, with games at Banyoles (16/7: D 1-1 (Cristian)), Figueres (18/7: W 1-2 (Luis García, Ronaldinho)) and Palamos (20/7: W 0-6 (Iniesta, Luis García, Gerard (2), Messi, Verdú)). Played another friendly at Alicante based side Hércules (23/7: D 1-1 (Oleguer)). See below for details of Far East tour.
17/18 and 24 Jul Intertoto third round
Atlético Madrid entered the competition at this stage, and played a warm up game against Segoviana on 9/7 which they won 0-5 (Novo, Javi Moreno 2, Movilla 2). They went on to win their first leg match against Zlin of the Czech Republic 2-4, with goals from Novo, Paunovic (2) and Musmapa. Villarreal played Spartak Moscow at home, running out 1-0 winners thanks to a second half goal from Anderson. Both teams won through in the second leg, Villarreal drawing 2-2 at Spartak (Anderson, Roger), and Atlético qualifying on the away goal rule despite losing 0-2. See separate section for details.
17-21 Jul Zaragoza summer programme
Pre-season training in France. Matches against Olympique Marseille (17/7: D 0-0), Benfica (19/7: L 1-0) and Olympique Lyon (21/7: D 0-0). Three difficult games against top teams who had started their pre-season training earlier, but still a disappointment that they were unable even to score one goal. Did get off the mark though against Wohlen (Swiss 2nd division), winning 1-5 (Villa, Camacho, Lafita, Drulic 2, 1 Pen) on 24/7.
17-29 Jul Deportivo summer programme
Have a few warm up games against local opposition before playing their Champions League qualifiers. Fixtures against Vilalbés17/7: W 0-9 (Abreu 2, Pandiani, Fran, Jesús, Rubén 3, Valerón), Viviero 20/7: W 0-5 (Tristán, Pandiani, Changui, Xosé (OG), Abreu), Lemos 22/7: W 0-6 (Munitis, Rubén 2, Valerón, Jesús, Acuña) and Palencia 24/7: W 0-5 (Changui 2, Rubén 3). Fitted in a hastily arranged game against 2B side Ourense on 29/7, came from two down to draw 2-2 (Rubén, Jesús).
17-31 Jul Sevilla summer programme (July)
Start off with friendlies against regional opposition early on, Bollullos, 17/7: W 0-5 (Aitor Ocio 2, Daniel, Pablo, Jesús Navas), San Roque de Lepe, 18/7: W 0-3 (Casquero, Jesús Navas, Fernando Sales), Pilas, 24/7: W 0-5 (Antoñito 2, Carlitos, Martí, Jesús Navas), Portuense, 30/7: D 1-1 (Antonio López) and Mairena, 31/7: W 0-4 (Aranda 2, Jesús Navas 2).
20-25 Jul Real Madrid summer programme
Have had to change their plans to be ready for the CL qualifying round. Holidays end 16 July, and spent 10 days in the South of Spain (Montecastillo) training, during which time they played two kick-around games (with Camacho as referee) against Xerez juniors (20/7: W 1-8 (Morientes2, Solari etc)) and Chiclana (22/7: W 0-11 (Morientes, Portillo, Raúl, Ronaldo 2, Zidane 2, Beckham, Guti 3)), and a friendly match against Benfica in Lisbon (25/7: D 2-2 (Ronaldo, Morientes)). See below for details of Japan tour.
20-28 Jul Betis summer programme
Training in Antequera (Málaga) from 15th, with games on against regional sides Antequero 20/7: W 0-3 (Castellini, Alfonso, Fernando) and Lucentino 24/7: W 0-3 (Fernando 2, Capi). Moved down the coast to Ayamonte to play Benfica in a friendly on 28/7, which they won 0-3 with a hat-trick from Fernando.
21-25 Jul Málaga summer programme
Started off in and around Switzerland. Played in a four-way tournament with Lucerne, Nuremberg and Kriens. Beat hosts Lucerne 0-3 (Litos, Duda 2) on 21/ 7, and won 6-5 on penalties against Nuremberg in final on 23/7 after drawing 2-2 (Diego Castro, Ador). Moved on to play another friendly against Austria's Casino Bregenz 25/7, L 2-1 (Litos), and also fixed up a game at Karlsruhe, Germany on 31/7, L 1-0. Clearly need to sign a striker or two.
21-28 Jul Valencia in the UK
Valencia warmed up on 21/7 with friendly against 3rd division side Paterna (W 0-5 (Angulo, Mista, Salva, Cannobio, Albiol)). Then start off their pre-season proper with a tour of England. Games against Leeds United on 25/7, D 2-2 (Sissoko, Rufete) and Stoke City on 28/7, L 1-0.
21-24 Jul Albacete summer programme (part one)
Staying in Spain, and have matches against regional sides Chipiona 21/7: W 1-4 (Pablo García, Luismi, Gato 2, Atlético Sanluqueño 24/7, D 1-1 (Pacheco pen), Chicalana 28/7, W 0-3 (Luismi, Francisco, Gato) and Rota 31/7, W 1-3 (David S´nchez, Francisco, Pacheco pen).
21-31 Jul Celta summer programme (July)
Started off based in Aix-les-Bains in France, with friendly matches as follows: 21/7: Paris Saint Germain (L 1-0); 24/7: Olympique Marseille (D 0-0); 27/7: Servette (L 3-1 (Jesuli)); 30/7: Lens (L 1-0), 31/7: Saint Etienne (L 1-0). Only one goal against top flight opposition.
23-30 Jul Espanyol summer programme
Took over facilities at Perelada when Barça moved out. Friendlies against Perelada 23/7, W 0-6 (Oscar, Corominas, Alex, Fredson, Dani 2), Figueres 27/7, W 0-2 (Maxi, Dani pen) and Palamos 30/7, W 1-3 (Tamudo, Velamazán pen, Pochettino).
24 Jul Mallorca summer programme
Opening friendly against Poblense on 24/7, D 1-1 (Campano), before moving on to England (see below).
25 Jul - 1 Aug Racing Santander summer programme (part 1)
Touring England from 23 July to 3 August, based near Leicester. Several games against British sides scheduled, including Tranmere, 25/7, D 0-0, Port Vale, 27/7, D 0-0 (again) and Cardiff 31/7, W 0-1 (Javi Guerrero).
28 Jul and 4 Aug Intertoto semi-final
There are six semi-final ties, played over two legs. The two Spanish sides are still in the competition, Villarreal played Hamburg, first leg at home (W 1-0 (Anderson)), and Atlético Madrid played OFK Belgrade, first leg away (W 1-3 (Ibagaza, Torres pen, Simeone)). Both won their second leg games, Villarreal 0-1 at Hamburg (José Marí) and Atlético 2-0 against Belgrade (Torres,Aguilera) and meet each other in one of the finals. See separate reports.
29 Jul - 1 Aug Real Madrid tour of Japan
Play 2 games in Japan at the end of July, the first against JEF United on 29/7 which they won 1-3. Camacho started off with his first choice team, missing the injured Zidane and Ronaldo. Goals from Guti and Raúl in the first half and Morientes right at the end.
Second match against Tokyo Verdy on 1/8, winning 0-4 with strikes from Zidane and Ronaldo before the break and Figo and Morientes after. Bad news was injury to Zidane, but return to Spain some $18 million better off.
29 Jul - 9 Aug Barcelona tour of the Far East
Organized a tour of the Far East at the end of July/early August. Opening match against Suwon Samsung Bluewings in South Korea on 29/7 which they lost 1-0. Rijkaard put out his first choice line up, but the heat and the lack of match practice went against them. Urumov scored the only goal from a late free kick.
Moved on to Japan to play Kashima Antlers 1/8 which they won 0-5, Giuly scoring two and setting up Larsson for a third, and Luis García and Messi getting two more in the second half.
Next match was against Jubilo Iwata on 4/8, winning 0-3 with two goals from Larsson and one from Luis García. Ronaldinho starred, and made two of the goals.
Finally travelled to China to play a combined side from International Shanghai and Sheng Hua Club on 8/8. Won 0-3 with two from Luis García and one from Larsson. Oleguer and Li Yan sent off, leaving both sides with ten men.
29 Jul -17 Aug Real Sociedad summer programme
Real Sociedad will be training in Covaleda, Soria from 19 to 29 July before starting their pre-season round of games. Their first match was against Piqueras on 29/7 (W 0-15 (Kovacevic 4, Nihat 3, Oskitz 3, Arteta, De Paula, Schürrer, Alkiza, Gabilondo) and after that they played 2B side Real Unión in the border town of Irún on 4/8 (L 1-0). They went on to play against Everton at Goodison Park on 7/8, drawing 2-2 (Kovacevic, Nihat). Returned to Irún to play a friendly against Osasuna on 11/8, which they won 1-0 with a goal from Gabilondo. Then played Eibar in Zarautz on 14/8, W 2-0 (Oskitz, De Paula pen) before their presentation game in Anoeta on 17/8, where they faced Egyptian side Zamalek. W 1-0 (Oskitz). Arteta took control in Alonso's absence, setting up the winning goal in the second half.
29 Jul - 22 Aug Levante summer programme
After training in Huesca, play eight friendly games. Started vs Jacetano 29/7, W 1-4 (Yago 4), then Hércules in Alicante on 3/8, L 1-0. On 5/8 they played their presentation match vs NEC Breda, which they won 4-0 (Cuéllar, Harte pen, Jofre, Yago). Then Conquense 7/8, A: D 1-1 (Cuéllar), Lorca 10/8: W 1-2 (Culebras, Harte pen), Denía 12/8, A: W 1-3 (Reggi 2, Sérvulo), Poli Ejido 14/8, A: L 2-0, Olympiakos 17/8, H, D 1-1 (Reggi / Rivaldo), Villarreal, Trofeo Cerámica, 19/8, D 3-3 (see below) and Castellón 22/8, A: D 1-1 (Congo).
29 Jul and 5 Aug Real Madrid v Getafe in Alicante
Getafe kicked off against Segoviana on 29/7, W 1-4 (Yordi 2, Fonseca, Alvaro). Then played hastily arranged match against Real Madrid in the Rico Pérez stadium in Alicante on 5/8, a warm up for Madrid's Champions League qualifier a few days later. Madrid won 1-0 with a late goal from Morientes.
30 Jul Athletic Bilbao warm up match
Athletic Bilbao go to Holland for their pre-season training, but first played a friendly in Tafalla against Peña Sport on 30/7 which they won 0-5 (Urzaiz, Yeste, Ezquerro 2, Iraola).
30 Jul - 7 Aug Osasuna summer programme
Based in Prestbury (England) for pre-season training. Played Tranmere on 30/7 (D 0-0), Ipswich on 2/8 (L 2-1 (Couñago, Kuqi / Flaño) and won a 40 minute kick around against Urawa 1-0 (Webó). Last match was against Birmingham on 7/8, which they drew 1-1 (Valdo).
31 Jul - 5 Aug Mallorca tour of England
Another team who will be touring England during the pre-season. Played in Leicester City's four-way tournament, with first match on 31/7 against Maritimo (Portugal) which they drew 1-1 (Perera). Won on penalties. Then played Leicester in final on 1/8 after the English club beat East Bengal (India). L 4-2 (Marcos Vales, Bruggink pen). Played Middlesborough on 4/8, L 3-1 (Zenden, Mendieta, Job / Nadal), and Norwich on 7/8, W 0-1 (Nagore).
1-4 Aug Valencia - Japan tour 04
Valencia went on from uk to Japan, arriving on 30 July. Based in Niigata, Play two games, first against Albirex Niigata on 1/8 which they lost 5-2 (An 2, Oseas 2, Kurihara / Mista, Angulo). The scoreline was already 4-2 at half time, and the five goals let in is the biggest number of goals against for 6 years.
Played Kashima Antlers on 4th August, winning 0-1 thanks to a last minute goal from Angulo, following up after Salva's effort saved.
1-5 Aug Deportivo v Tokyo and Veracruz
Two exotic opponents in their warm up for the Champions' League qualifying round. Played Tokyo FC (Japan) on 1/8 in the Juan Acuña trophy, losing in the end by 1-2. Víctor scored early in the 2nd half, but Lucas and Kajiyama turned the scoreline around.
Next match was against Veracruz (Mexico) on 3/8, also in the Riazor (Joma trophy). Comfortable victory by 5-1 to restore confidence for Champions' League. Goals from Pandiani 2, Luque, Víctor and Jaime, with ex Valladolid forward Cuahtemoc scoring for Veracruz.
Came down to earth to play Zamora away on 5/8, which they won 0-3 (Pablo Amo, Rubén, Abreu pen).
1 Aug - 2 Sep Numancia summer programme
Start late but make up for it with an intensive programme. Games against Atlético B (1/8, H: D 1-1 (Sestelo)), Real Madrid B (4/8, H: W 1-0 (Navarro)), Eibar (7/8, A: L 1-0), Athletic Bilbao (11/8, H: L 0-1 (Angulo)), Alavés (14/8, A, D 2-2 (Kiko pen, Epitié / Miguel Nuñez, Palacios)), Norma (16/8, A, D 2-2 (Merino 2)), Racing (18/8, H, L 0-1), Ponferradina (21/8, A, D 1-1 (Otxoa)), Alfaro (22/8, A, D 4-4 (Toché 2, Mario Martínez, Huete), Alcorcón (2/9, A).
3-5 Aug Kappa cup
Bit of a tongue twister, this name! New trophy played in the Cartuja Olympic stadium in Sevilla between Betis, Feyenoord, Tottenham Hotspur and Partizan Belgrade.
3/8: Betis 1 (Lembo) - Partizan 0. Goal came in second half, after which Melli was sent off. Betis play Feyenoord in the final after they beat Spurs 2-1.
5/8: Final: Betis 1 (Alfonso) - Feyenoord 1 (Lazovic). Feyenoord won on penalties after Dani missed his kick.
3 - 8 Aug Zaragoza tour of England
Touring UK after their early season matches in France, based around Manchester from 30/7 to 10/8. Games against Watford 3/8, W 1-2 (Galletti 2) and Bolton 7/8, D 1-1 (Drulic). Arranged another match as well against Chelsea on 8/8, testimonial for Zola. Lost 3-0 with goals from Drogba, Parker and Zola himself.
4-14 Aug Celta summer programme (August)
Were the guests at Racing Ferrol's XLV Concepción Arenal trophy on 4/8, drawing 1-1 (Pablo/Gustavo López) but winning the penalty shoot-out 0-3 (Pinto saved 3 pens). Touring Portugal at start of August. Played Vitoria Guimaraes on 7/8, drawing 1-1 (Edu), then Maritimo 8/8, L 2-0 and Os Belenenses 11/8, L 1-0. Back to Spain to play Cultural Leonesa on 14/8, L 1-2 (Jandro pen).
4-21 Aug Sevilla summer programme (August)
Carrying on in Spain throughout August. Matches against Ecija 4/8, A: W 0-1 (Jordi) - Darío Silva sent off, Lokomotiv Sofia 10/8, H: W 3-0 (Baptista 2, Darío Silva), Sierra Norte 11/8, A: W 0-13 (Aranda 4, Antoñito 3, Carlos 3, Marco Navas 3), Celta 19/8, Chapín, L 0-1 (Jonathan) and Valladolid 21/8, (Ciudad de Valladolid trophy) D 1-1 (Mateo / Aranda) - Valladolid won on penalties. Also played in Costa del Sol and Carranza trophies (see below).
4-30 Aug Racing Santander summer programme (part 2)
Returned to Spain to play neighbours Gimnastica Torrelavega on 4/8 and then took on Mexico's Veracruz in their presentation match at the Sardinero stadium on 6/8, D 1-1 (Aganzo). Further games scheduled against Sporting Gijón in Barreda) on 11/8, W 4-0 (Alvarez, Regueiro, Arturo, Afek) , Athletic Bilbao at home on 14/8, L 2-5 (Regueiro, Alvarez / Etxeberría 2, Del Horno, Gurpegui, Tiko), Amurrio away on 15/8, D 1-1 (Morán), Numancia away, 18/8, W 0-1 (Morán), Sporting away, 22/8, D 1-1 (Pablo Lago / Ayoze) and Gimnastica Torrelavega away, 23/8, W 0-1 (Afek).
5 Aug Elche v Ergotelis Crete
Finally had to abandon greater plans (Real Madrid, Bayern Munich) etc., and met Crete in their presentation match. W 3-0 (Nino 2, Moisés).
5-10 Aug Espanyol tour of Portugal et al
Moved on to Portugal for what was to be a badly organised tour. Opening fixture changed 3 or 4 times, but was eventually fixed for 5/8 against Nacional de Madeira. W 0-1 (Dani). Then played Beira Mar on 7/8, L 2-1 (Soldevilla).
Returned to Spain to play Castellón on 10/8, W 1-3 (Jarque, Maxi, Soldevilla) and Blanes on 12/8, W 0-7 (Jonathan 3, Jarque, Serrano, Corominas, Yagüe).
5-14 Aug Athletic summer programme
Athletic Bilbao went to Holland for their pre-season training. Matches played (in their psychedelic UEFA cup shirts) against Groningen 5/8 (L 3-2 (Urzaiz, Etxeberría)) and Heerenveen 7/8 (W 1-2 (Hansson og, Arriaga)).
They returned to Spain to play Numancia on 11/8, W 0-1 (Angulo) and Racing away 14/8, W 2-5 (Regueiro, Alvarez / Etxeberría 2, Del Horno, Gurpegui, Tiko).
6-8 Aug Costa del Sol trophy in Málaga
Triangular tournament returns this year, hosted by Málaga. Teams invited are Sevilla plus Italian side Parma.
6/8: Málaga 0 - Parma 0;
7/8: Sevilla 3 (Darío Silva 2, Jesús Navas) - Parma 0;
8/8: Málaga 1 (David og) - Sevilla (Baptista pen). Sevilla were declared winners of the tournament, even though Málaga equalised in the last minute.
Málaga then played Córdoba at home on 13/8, W 1-0 (Juan Rodríguez).
6-22 Aug Albacete summer programme (part two)
More games against lower division opposition, all away from home. Villarrobledo 6/8, D 0-0, La Roda 7/8, D 1-1 (Pacheco), Quintanar 11/8, W 0-1 (Alfaro), Almansa 12/8, L 1-0, Tarazona 14/8, W 1-3 (Mikel, Francisco 2), Novelda 20/8, W 0-2 (Mikel, Rubén) and Conquense 22/8, L 2-1 (Mingo).
7-22 Aug Getafe summer programme
Back down to Earth after playing Real Madrid, with programme against lower division sides. Reserve players drew 0-0 at Talavera on 7/8, day after Madrid game. Beat neighbours Leganés 0-4 (Gallardo, Rivas, Pachón, Cubillo) in their "Villa de Leganés" trophy on 13/8, even though Yordi sent off min 30. Disappointing 0-0 draw at Toledo on 15/8, and the same result at their other neighbours Rayo Vallecano on 17/8, although they won the match on a penalty shoot out. Beat Salamanca 1-2 in their presentation match on 20/8, goals from Nano and Rivas, with Aurelio replying for the hosts. Reserve players played Alcalá 21/8, W 1-2 (Luis López pen, Belenguer).
22/8: Getafe presentation match against Greek side Apollon Kalamarias. W 2-0 (Nano, Vivar Dorado).
8-15 Aug Catalonia Cup (early rounds)
Played this tournament in summer last year rather than throughout the season, and are doing so again. Fifth round (first involving second division sides) played on 8/8, and sixth round 3 days later.
15/8: Quarter finals - Lleida 1 - Nàstic 1; Perelada 0 - Terrassa 0. Nàstic and Perelada win through on penalties. Winners join Barça and Espanyol in final stage which will be played in Tarragona at ground of Nàstic on 20/8 and 22/8 (see below).
8 and 21 Aug Atlético Madrid friendly games
8/8: Warmed up for Intertoto cup against Alcalá, with a team full of reserve players and juniors. Won 0-2 with goals from Arizmendi and Braulio. Luccin made his debut.
21/8: Another warm up game, this time against regional side Rayo Majadahonda. W 1-3 (Nano, Salva, Braulio pen). Salva scored on his re-debut, Sosa sent off on his debut for fighting.
10 - 24 Aug Alavés summer programme
Cancelled stay in Luchón (France) at last minute, but play friendlies against Valladolid 10/8, H, W 2-1 (Sánchez og, Kiko / Moré), Numancia 14/8 at Laguardia D 2-2, won on penalties, and Burgos 18/8, A, W 1-2 (Bodipo, De Lucas).
Presentation match 24/8 against Richard Dutruel's side Strasbourg (Trofeo Diputación). D 0-0, Alavés won 9-8 on penalties. Dutruel didn't play.
10 and 24 Aug Intertoto final
Six sides played three finals as usual, with the winners qualifying for the UEFA cup. Villarreal and Atlético both reached this stage, and they faced each other after the draw for the final rounds paired them together.
10/8: First leg: Villarreal 2 (Roger, Rodríguez) - Atlético 0.
24/8: Second leg: Atlético 2 (Ibagaza, García Calvo) - Villarreal 0. Villarreal won 1-3 on penalties. See separate section for more details.
11 and 24/25 Aug Champions' League third qualifying round
The third and fourth placed Spanish sides Deportivo and Real Madrid entered at this stage. Madrid played Wisla Krakow and Depor played Shelbourne.
11 Aug: First leg results: Wisla 0 - Madrid 2 (Morientes 2); Shelbourne 0 - Deportivo 0.
24/25 Aug: Second leg results: Deportivo 3 (Víctor 2, Pandiani) - Shelbourne 0; Real Madrid 3 (Ronaldo 2, Pavón)- Wisla 1 (Gorawski). See separate section for more details.
11 Aug Valencia 1 - Parma 0
Team presentation against Italian side. Won thanks to a first half strike from Baraja. New signings came on after the break. Keeper Butelle got a knock and was rushed to hospital, where they had to remove his spleen.
11-19 Aug Betis friendly matches
Betis carry on with friendly games against local opposition. Played Portuenese with many reserve players 10/8, L 2-1 (Oliveira). Went to Portugal to play Sporting Braga on 16/8, W 1-2 (Capi, Joaquín). Next match in Colombino trophy (see below).
13 Aug Gimnastic Tarragona 2 - Villarreal 2
Villarreal moved up coast to play neighbours Nàstic in their hastily arranged presentation match, despite reaching final of Intertoto Cup. Battaglia scored from 60 yards, but Manolo and Pinilla put Catalans ahead before Guayre equalised.
13-15 Aug Ramón Carranza trophy, Cádiz
Cádiz once again hosted this prestigious trophy, which this year celebrates it's 50th edition, (although tournament was switched at the last minute to the Bahía Sur stadium in San Fernando due to the poor state of Cádiz's newly laid pitch).
!3/8: Cádiz 0 - Sevilla 3 (Darío Silva, Baptista 2). Hosts came up against "the Beast" Baptista, who made one and scored two.
14/8: Valencia 3 (Mista, Di Vaio, Angulo) - Lazio 0. Good win with Di Vaio and Mista up front and Caneira at left back.
15/8: Final: Sevilla 2 (Baptista, Fernando Sales) - Valencia 1 (Angulo). Sevilla won the trophy thanks again to Baptista. Carboni sent off in a hard match and U19 international Silva made his debut for Valencia.
3/4 play-off: Cádiz 1 (Manolo Pérez pen) - Lazio 0.
13-20 Aug Teresa Herrera trophy, La Coruña
59th edition of the tournament played again this summer. Hosts Deportivo La Coruña joined by Atlético Madrid, Zaragoza and Sporting Lisbon.
13/8: Depor 2 (Pablo Amo, Toro Acuña) - Sporting 0. A cruise for Depor, who fielded many reserves.
14/8: Atlético 3 (Luccin, Ibagaza 2) - Zaragoza 2 (Villa, Ponzio). Luccin and Ibagaza inspired Atlético to victory.
15/8: Final: Deportivo 3 (Pandiani 2, Romero) - Atlético 1 (Paunovic). Momo starred as Depor won their home trophy.
3/4 play-off: Zaragoza 2 (Soriano, Savio) - Sporting Lisbon 0. A better performance from Víctor's side.
PS. 20/8: Depor drew 1-1 with UAE side Al Ain in their last friendly in the Riazor before their CL qualifier. Side packed with reserves, Toro Acuña got the goal.
14 and 24 Aug Ciutat de Barcelona trophy
14/8: Espanyol's annual presentation match against Italian side Udinese.
Espanyol 2 (Dani, Tamudo pen) - Udinese 0. Twin strikers starting to show form and Oscar Serrano the revelation.
24/8: Last friendly against Sabadell. L 1-0 with many reserve players.
14-17 Aug Osasuna summer programme
Osasuna played Real Madrid B 14/8 in Aoiz (Navarra), W 3-1 (Rosado, Puñal pen, Webó). Three-way match between Osasuna, Espanyol and hosts Logroñés scheduled for 17/8 called off due to financial problems with Logroñés based side, and replaced by friendly against Espanyol in Peralta. D 2-2 (Ortíz, Puñal pen / Dani, Diomede). A boring game, by all accounts. Equaliser scored by Diomede, who is on trial with Espanyol.
14-18 Aug Barcelona friendly games
Game against Ajax which was scheduled for 12/8 has been called off to allow players to rest after Asia tour. Played against Italy's Parma in Cardiff on 14/8, winning 1-0 thanks to a late goal from Iniesta. Then away against regional side Villafranca on 18/8 (without players on international duty). W 0-6 (Deco, Márquez, Et'o 2, Giuly, Luis García). Goals from debutants Deco and Eto'o against easy opposition.
16-22 Aug Tenerife v Las Palmas
Two sides met for the first of three times pre-season in the final of the Teide trophy in Tenerife on 16/8, with the local side winning 1-0 thanks to a goal from U19 international Gavilán.
After failing to sign up Bochum or Samporia, Tenerife also decided to invite their neighbours for the presentation match on 20/8. The hosts won 1-0 with a goal from Raúl Martín.
Reciprocal game two days later in Las Palmas, which Tenerife also won 0-1 (Cristo).
17 Aug Trofeo Festa d'Elx
45th edition of Elche's annual trophy, this year against Deportivo La Coruña. D 1-1 (Rubén / Pablo Amo). Elche´s Rubén scored in the first half from a free kick. Pablo Amo equalised after the break and Abreu had a goal disallowed near the end, getting himself sent off for insulting a linesman.
17 Aug and 2 Sep Under 21 friendly matches
Iñaki Sáez drops back down to take over the Spanish under 21 side again. Opening friendlies against France 17/8, D 1-1 (Jesús Navas), then Scotland 2/9, W 3-1 (Iniesta, Cazorla, Melli pen) before Euro 2006 starts. See also separate section for match reports etc.
18 Aug Spain v Venezuela
Friendly match to be played in the Las Palmas new stadium. Warm up game before World Cup qualifiers. First match in charge for Luis Aragonés. W 3-2 (Morientes, Tamudo 2). See separate section for more details.
18-20 Aug Mallorca summer programme
Played a couple more friendly games after returning from England.
18/8: Trofeo del Melón: Villa franca 0 - Mallorca 1 (Luis Garcia). New signing gets the only goal.
20/8: Palermo 1 - Mallorca 0. (Poli og). Went to Sicilly for their last pre-season match, and lost to an own goal.
18-24 Aug Spanish Supercup
Two leg fixture between league champions Valencia and cup winners Zaragoza. Warm up match for Zaragoza beforehand on 18/8 against regional side Alcorisa which they won 0-14 (Villa 5, Javi Moreno 4, Movilla 3, Cani, Capi).
21/8: Zaragoza 0 - Valencia 1 (Vicente).
24/8: Valencia 1 (Corradi) - Zaragoza 3 (Alvaro, Galletti, Javi Moreno). Winners: Zaragoza. See separate section for more details.
19 Aug Trofeo de la Cerámica
Fouth edition of Villarreal's annual tournament, which this year was against newly promoted neighbours Levante. Exciting game ended 3-3 (Josico, José Marí, Cazorla / Cuéllar, Reggi, Congo), with Levante taking the trophy 5-6 on penalties.
19-21 Aug Colombino trophy, Huelva
Recreativo hosted another of the big summer competitions, the 40th time the tournament has taken place. Teams invited were Betis, Málaga and Real Sociedad.
19/8: Recreativo 5 - Betis 1 (Angel Rodríguez, Uche, Calle, Cheli, Luna / Fernando); Recre four up in 20 minutes, even though Betis put out first team.
20/8: Málaga 3 - Real Sociedad 0 (Geijo 2, Perico). In the absence of any new signings, Málaga's youngsters won the game for them;
22/8: Final: Recreativo 2 - Málaga 2 (Calle, Uche / Rodríguez, Edgar). Recre beat Málaga on penalties after Uche saved the day in the last minute.
22/8: 3/4 play-off. Betis 1 - Real Sociedad 1 (Joaquín / Karpin). Real took third spot after 18 penalty kicks in shoot-out.
20-22 Aug Catalonia Cup (semi-finals and final)
Played this tournament in summer last year rather than throughout the season, and did so again. Early rounds started on 8/8 (see above). Final stages played in Tarragona at ground of Nàstic on 20/8 and 22/8, with Barça and Espanyol entering at that stage.
20/8: Semi-finals: Barcelona 4 - Perelada 0 (Eto'o. Larsson, Giuly, Motta). Easy win against 3rd division side.
Nàstic 1 - Espanyol 2 (Bolo / Martín Posse, Jonathan). Two injury time goals beat the hosts at the last minute.
22/8: Final. Barcelona 2 - Espanyol 0. Barça won their fifth Catalan cup with goals from a long Deco shot and a Ronaldinho free kick. Márquez sent off and Dani had a goal disallowed inbetween.
21 Aug Athletic Bilbao presentation
Homenaje al socio match. Traditional summer fixture, which this year was against Olympiakos of Greece. D 0-0, Nikopolidis and the woodwork kept the fans from seeing their side win.
22 Aug Osasuna presentation match
Pamplona based side's presentation match was against Egypt's Al Ahli. W 1-0. Milosevic missed a hat-full on his debut but Moha won it for them in the second half.
23 Aug Real Murcia presentation match
Rea Murcia v Werder Bremen: Invited top class opposition for the first "Nueva Condomina Trophy", flamboyant double winners from Germany. D 2-2 (Karanka, Munteanu / Charisteas, Klose), Murcia won 5-4 on penalties.
25 Aug Gamper tournament, FC Barcelona
Played AC Milan in the XXXIX edition of FC Barcelona's annual tournament. W 2-1. Serginho put the visitors ahead, but Eto'o set up Giuly and then Iniesta either side of half time to win. Gattuso sent off near the end for insulting the referee in Italian!
27 Aug European Supercup
Trophy played out in Monaco between Champions League winners Porto and UEFA cup champions Valencia. The Spanish side won 1-2 with goals from Baraja and Di Vaio. See separate report.
31 Aug XXVI Santiago Bernabeu trophy
Real Madrid's presentation match was due to take place in September against MLS All Stars side from USA, but was eventually fixed for end of August against the Mexican side managed by Hugo Sánchez, "Pumas", formally known as Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México". Owen made his home debut in the first half, but Madrid lost 0-1 with a goal from Castro late on.
2 Sep Trofeo del Olivo
See friendly fixtures section.
3 Sep Spain v Scotland
Last friendly match for Luis Aragonés to try out his side before opening World Cup game against Bosnia a few days later. Match abandoned with scores at 1-1 (Baraja og / Raúl pen) due to a thunderstorm. See separate section for details.
4 Sep Columbia tournament
See friendly fixtures section.
4 Sep Sevilla v Bolton
See friendly fixtures section.
Cancelled Orange trophy
Trofeo Naranja - Valencia's annual tournament at the Mestalla stadium, the Orange Trophy. was to be played for the first time after the league starts with opponents new signing Di Vaio's old side, Juventus. However tournament eventually postponed as too many players were away on international duty.
Cancelled City of Vigo trophy
Information put out on the club's website tells us that they are laying new turf, and that the competition will therefore not take place this year, at least not until later in the new season.
2003/2004 Pre-season fixtures
2002/2003 Pre-season fixtures
2001/2002 Pre-season fixtures
2000/2001 Pre-season fixtures
Cover page