Curtain comes down on hugely successful LaLiga World programme

With just four days to go until the LaLiga Santander and LaLiga 1l2l3 seasons get up and running, pre-season programmes are nearing their end and the LaLiga World project signs off for another year. This time round, nine LaLiga clubs played their part in LaLiga World's stunning global success. What's more, this pre-season saw LaLiga showcase its unwavering commitment to the women's game through the launch of the LaLiga Women initiative, with the ladies from Atletico Madrid being the first to benefit from the programme.

The first countries to host the expectant LaLiga World participants were the United States and Uruguay. Sevilla FC headed to Orlando, where Jorge Sampaoli's men took part in two pulsating encounters, which despite their status as pre-season friendlies certainly weren't short on entertainment. Elsewhere, RC Deportivo and RC Celta locked horns in Montevideo in the first ever Galician derby to take place outside Spain, as Uruguayan fans were offered the opportunity to experience all the excitement of a LaLiga derby at close quarters.

Real Betis and Malaga CF also packed their bags and jetted off this summer under the auspices of the LaLiga World project, with both Andalusian clubs leaving their mark during their stays on German soil. Juande Ramos's troops reached the final of the Aachen Cup, and despite falling at the final hurdle, they gave a fine account of themselves and the Spanish game. As for Betis, Gus Poyet's side were crowned champions of the Dresden Cup after edging past Everton on penalties and the Verdiblancos brought the curtain down on this year's LaLiga World with victory against the Qatari national team in Switzerland.

As for Atletico Madrid, the Colchoneros wowed the locals during their stints in Australia and Italy, whilst Diego Simeone's charges also took part in the LaLiga World-organised Ramon de Carranza Trophy alongside Cadiz CF, Malaga and the Nigerian All-Stars, a squad made up of the top players from the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL). Days prior to lining up in the four-team tournament in Cadiz, the All-Stars squad pitted their wits against Valencia CF at Alzira's Estadio Luis Suñer Pico. During their Spanish stay, the Nigerian outfit showed themselves to be a fine footballing side, with their visit also serving to strengthen the links between the two leagues.

However, there can be little doubt as to which of this year's LaLiga World participant teams made the biggest impact. That particular title undoubtedly goes to Atletico Madrid Women, who travelled to Sweden to take part in the first edition of the LaLiga Women project. During their time in the Scandinavian country, the Rojiblancas took on two of Sweden's leading sides in Linkopings FC and Eskilstuna United DFF, whilst also gaining an appreciation for the passion surrounding the women's game in the country.

Once again, LaLiga has demonstrated an ability to export its essence and sporting values throughout the planet in a bid to promote the Spanish game on the international stage, with a total of 13 clubs flying the LaLiga flag on foreign shores between the end of last season and the start of the new campaign.