Cristiano Ronaldo once again showcased his lethal scoring touch with a brilliant brace, but it was not enough to prevent Al-Nassr from suffering a shock defeat at the hands of Spanish second-tier outfit Almería in a high-scoring and drama-filled friendly encounter.
The Saudi Pro League giants went into the match as overwhelming favourites, boasting a star-studded lineup featuring Ronaldo, Sadio Mané, and Marcelo Brozović. Expectations were that the Riyadh-based side would dominate proceedings against their Segunda División opponents. And when Ronaldo broke the deadlock in the opening stages with a clinical finish — latching onto a perfectly timed through ball before slotting past the Almería goalkeeper — it looked like business as usual.
However, Almería, who are in the midst of their own pre-season preparations, refused to be overawed. They pressed with energy, moved the ball sharply, and found vulnerabilities in Al-Nassr’s defensive structure. The Spanish side equalised midway through the first half after a defensive mix-up allowed their striker to convert from close range.
Ronaldo restored Al-Nassr’s lead shortly after the break, calmly converting from the edge of the box after a clever exchange of passes with Mané. But instead of consolidating their advantage, Al-Nassr were left exposed at the back. Almería pounced on defensive errors and slow transitions, scoring twice in quick succession to turn the game on its head.
Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, Al-Nassr were guilty of wasting opportunities and leaving gaps that Almería exploited with ruthless efficiency. The Spanish side’s discipline, work rate, and opportunism proved decisive, earning them a morale-boosting victory against one of Asia’s most formidable clubs.
For Ronaldo, the match was another reminder that his predatory instincts remain intact even at 40 years of age, but the defeat raises concerns about Al-Nassr’s defensive resilience heading into the competitive season. With the Saudi Pro League campaign around the corner, head coach Luís Castro will need to address his team’s vulnerability to counterattacks and lapses in concentration.
While the loss may be brushed aside as a pre-season setback, it will undoubtedly serve as a wake-up call for Al-Nassr, who harbour ambitions of competing not just domestically, but on the continental stage in the AFC Champions League. For Almería, this result will be celebrated as a statement of intent — proof that, even against global superstars, discipline and determination can deliver an upset.