Al-Nassr’s pre-season struggles continue with Almeria defeat in Lisbon

Al-Nassr ended their training camp in Lisbon with a 2-0 defeat by Spanish club Almeria, extending their difficult preparations for the 2026-27 season.

The match was the Saudi club’s fourth and final friendly in Portugal, and their third defeat of the camp. Cristiano Ronaldo, Al-Nassr’s Portuguese captain and star player, attended the game but watched from the stands rather than taking part.

The two sides went into half-time level at 0-0, but Almeria changed the momentum after the break by scoring twice in the space of about 15 minutes.

The Andalusian side opened the scoring in the 51st minute after a player went through one-on-one with Al-Nassr goalkeeper Bento. Almeria doubled their advantage 10 minutes later from the penalty spot.

Al-Nassr head coach Ange Postecoglou began the game with a team combining some of his expected first-choice players with squad alternatives. He made further changes during the second half after his side fell behind, but Al-Nassr were unable to recover.

Ronaldo’s appearance in the stands was his first since the end of his involvement with Portugal at the 2026 World Cup. He did not feature on the pitch as Al-Nassr completed a disappointing conclusion to their overseas preparations.

The result means Al-Nassr managed only one victory in their four matches in Portugal. That success came against Merida, who play in Spain’s third division, with Al-Nassr winning 2-0.

Before the defeat by Almeria, Al-Nassr had lost 2-1 to Benfica’s reserve team and suffered a 4-2 defeat by Portuguese club Estrela Amadora.

The Lisbon camp was arranged as part of the club’s build-up to the new Saudi season, but the results have included three defeats despite the presence of several established players and the appointment of former Tottenham Hotspur manager Postecoglou.

Al-Nassr will begin their 2026-27 campaign on 15 August, when they face Al Fateh in the opening round of the Roshn Saudi League.