As expected the last week brought startling revelations of performance enhancing drug use in Spanish football.

La Liga’s winter transfer window shut more with a whimper than a bang last Thursday.

The start of the Spanish season looks set to be delayed after talks to avert strike action for this weekend’s opening fixtures today failed to produce an agreement.

Real Madrid and Real Sociedad will play the remainder of Sunday’s suspended Primera Liga match at 6pm on January 5.