Two important saving graces arose from my recent trip to Madrid.
The first is I resisted the temptation to place a €50 bet on a battling 2-2 draw between Athlético and Celtic - highlight of the evening was the magnificent Wanda Metropolitano stadium with its hugely impressive transport links.
The second is I didn't just go for the football (wise move) and spent several days in Madrid which is fast becoming one of my favourite cities - on which more to follow!