In a highly anticipated preseason friendly match on August 10, 2025, Almería defeated Al-Nassr 3-2 at the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterráneos in Spain. The game served as a final test for both teams before their respective league seasons begin, and it did not disappoint in terms of drama and excitement. Cristiano Ronaldo, Al-Nassr’s talismanic forward, scored a brace, but his efforts were not enough to secure victory for the Saudi side.
Cristiano Ronaldo Shines Early
The match began with a fast-paced tempo as both teams aimed to make a statement in their final preseason fixture. Almería struck first in the 6th minute when Sergio Arribas capitalized on a well-timed pass to slot the ball past Al-Nassr’s goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi. The early goal put the Saudi Pro League team on the back foot.
However, Cristiano Ronaldo quickly responded in the 17th minute. A fluid team move involving Sadio Mané and Ayman Yahya set up the Portuguese superstar for a clinical finish. Ronaldo displayed his trademark composure, finding the back of the net to level the score at 1-1. Moments later, Ronaldo’s relentless pressure on Almería’s defense forced goalkeeper Andres Fernandez into a mistake, leading to a penalty. The veteran forward confidently converted the spot-kick, giving Al-Nassr a 2-1 lead.
Defensive Errors Prove Costly
Despite Al-Nassr’s early momentum, their defensive frailties were exposed just minutes after Ronaldo’s second goal. Almería’s Adrián Embarba took advantage of a mistake by Al-Nassr goalkeeper Bento, who misjudged a clearance while outside his penalty area. Embarba seized the opportunity, launching a long-range shot into an empty net to equalize at 2-2 before halftime.
The second half continued with both teams making tactical adjustments. Al-Nassr head coach Jorge Jesus substituted Ronaldo to preserve him for upcoming competitive fixtures, a decision that seemed to impact the team’s attacking prowess. Almería capitalized on this, with Embarba scoring his second goal in the 61st minute. A well-executed counterattack allowed him to fire a powerful shot past Al-Aqidi, giving the Spanish side a decisive 3-2 lead.
Al-Nassr’s Preseason Takeaways
Al-Nassr entered the match on the back of three preseason victories against SK St. Johann, Toulouse, and Rio Ave, showcasing their offensive strength under new head coach Jorge Jesus. However, their performance against Almería highlighted lingering defensive vulnerabilities. Across their preseason fixtures, Al-Nassr managed only one clean sheet, a statistic that underscores the work needed to solidify their backline.
The team’s aggressive high-press strategy, while effective in creating scoring opportunities, often left gaps that opponents exploited. This was evident in both of Almería’s goals in the second half, which stemmed from defensive lapses and poor positioning.
Looking Ahead
For Almería, the victory serves as a morale booster ahead of their LaLiga 2 opener against Albacete on August 18. The Spanish side demonstrated resilience and tactical discipline, traits they will need as they aim to secure promotion to LaLiga in the 2025–26 season.
Meanwhile, Al-Nassr will shift their focus to the Saudi Super Cup semifinals against Al-Ittihad on August 19. With Cristiano Ronaldo leading the attack and new signings like Iñigo Martínez integrating into the squad, the team remains a strong contender. However, addressing their defensive issues will be crucial if they hope to challenge for silverware this season.
As the preseason concludes, both teams have valuable lessons to carry forward. While Almería can celebrate a hard-fought victory, Al-Nassr must regroup and refine their approach ahead of the competitive season.