Al Nassr are preparing for the start of the 2025–26 season, and their final test before kickoff was Sunday’s friendly against Almeria in Spain. There, Cristiano Ronaldo found the back of the net twice in the first half of the match.
The Saudi side have had a strong preseason run. Under the leadership of new head coach Jorge Jesus, they picked up wins over SK St. Johann, Toulouse, and Rio Ave—matches that helped solidify their new playing style and gave valuable minutes to the players who joined the team this summer.
The final test came this Sunday at the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterráneos against Almeria, a Spanish second-division side that last played in La Liga in 2023. Like Al Nassr, they’re set to begin their official season soon, opening against Albacete on Monday, August 18.
For this match, coach Jorge Jesus included the team’s top stars in the starting lineup. Alongside CR7, the XI featured Sadio Mane, Joao Felix, Marcelo Brozovic, Wesley, and even Íñigo Martinez, who joined the squad this week after leaving Barcelona.
Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t take long to score
The match didn’t start well for Al Nassr, as Almeria took the lead just six minutes in with a goal from Sergio Arribas, who received an assist that allowed him to enter the box and finish with his left foot past goalkeeper Nawaf Al Aqidi. However, Cristiano quickly responded to level the score.
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The Portuguese forward finished off a beautiful team sequence that featured contributions from several players. Ronaldo dropped outside the box to link up with teammates through a series of passes, until Sadio Mane received the ball inside the area and set up Cristiano, who finished with a smooth touch to net the equalizer.
Late in the first half, the 40-year-old superstar pressed goalkeeper Andres Fernandez and drew a foul inside the box. He stepped up to take the penalty himself and converted to give Al Nassr the lead. That joy didn’t last long, though, as a costly mistake by keeper Al Aqidi allowed Almeria to equalize moments later through Adrian Embarba.
Al Nassr already looking ahead to official debut
For the second half of the match against Almeria, coach Jorge Jesus opted to take Cristiano Ronaldo off the field after a strong showing that included two goals. He was replaced by Ali Al-Hassan, and the team clearly felt his absence, ultimately losing 3-2 after Embarba’s goal in the 61st minute.
Looking ahead, Al Nassr face important challenges, which explains the decision to rest CR7, the squad’s biggest star. Their official debut for the 2025–26 season is set for Tuesday, August 19, against Al Ittihad in the semifinals of the Saudi Super Cup.
