When you think about UD Almería and Al-Nassr, you probably don't immediately think of a historic rivalry. You're right. It’s not. But honestly, the weird, high-stakes relationship between these two clubs has turned their friendly matches into something much bigger than a standard pre-season kickabout.
Most people just see the scorelines. They see Cristiano Ronaldo's name on a scoresheet in Spain and move on. But there is a massive amount of politics, money, and personal pride fueling this specific matchup.
The Connection You Probably Didn't Know
It basically all starts with one man: Turki Al-Sheikh.
He’s the Chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority and, until very recently, he was the owner of UD Almería. He bought the Spanish club in 2019 and basically transformed them. But he’s also a die-hard fan of Saudi football, specifically keeping a close eye on the giants like Al-Nassr.
Whenever these two teams meet, it’s not just about football. It’s a "prestige" game. Al-Sheikh has been known to openly joke on social media about wanting his Spanish team to "humiliate" the Saudi stars, which sounds funny until you realize the sheer amount of investment on both sides of the pitch.
That Wild 3-2 Thriller in August 2025
If you missed the match on August 10, 2025, you missed some of the best "meaningless" football ever played.
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The UD Almería vs Al-Nassr clash at the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterráneos was supposed to be a friendly. It didn't feel like one. 12,821 fans showed up, and the intensity was through the roof.
Almería came out like they had something to prove. Sergio Arribas scored a beauty just 6 minutes in after some sloppy defending from the Al-Nassr backline. But then, the Ronaldo effect happened.
Ronaldo scored twice in the first half—one from open play and a clinical penalty in the 39th minute. You could see the frustration on the Almería defenders' faces; they were playing for their spots in the starting XI for the upcoming La Liga 2 season, and a 40-year-old legend was still making them look like training cones.
- Sergio Arribas (6') - Almería
- Cristiano Ronaldo (17') - Al-Nassr
- Cristiano Ronaldo (39', Pen) - Al-Nassr
- Adrián Embarba (43', 61') - Almería
The real hero of the night, though, was Adrián Embarba. He scored an absolute rocket from about 38 yards out just before halftime. It caught the Al-Nassr keeper completely off guard. He then added a second in the 61st minute to seal a 3-2 victory for the Spanish side.
Why Does This Matchup Keep Happening?
This wasn't a one-off. They played in 2022 (a 1-1 draw) and again in 2024, where Almería crushed a Ronaldo-less Al-Nassr 3-0.
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The Saudi influence in Almería is the obvious reason. For Al-Nassr, these games are a chance to test their billion-dollar squad—which now includes names like João Félix, Sadio Mané, and Iñigo Martínez—against European tactical setups.
For Almería, it’s a marketing goldmine. They get to host some of the most famous athletes on the planet, selling out their stadium and getting global eyeballs on their brand. It's smart business, even if it feels a little bit like a "vanity project" for the ownership.
Tactical Nuance: It’s Not Just About Stars
If you look at the stats from the 2025 game, Al-Nassr actually had more possession (53%). But Almería was way more efficient. They had 11 shots on target compared to Al-Nassr’s measly 2.
Jorge Jesus, the Al-Nassr coach, was clearly experimenting. He played a high line that Embarba and Arribas exploited repeatedly. Almería’s coach, Rubi, focused on quick transitions. It showed that while the Saudi Pro League has the individual talent, the tactical discipline in the Spanish second tier is still incredibly high.
What Most People Get Wrong
There’s a misconception that Al-Nassr doesn't care about these friendlies.
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Watch the tape. When Ronaldo was subbed off at halftime in the 2025 match, he looked furious. Not "pre-season" furious, but "I just lost a competitive game" furious. The competitive ego involved in UD Almería vs Al-Nassr is what makes it worth watching.
Also, Almería isn't just a "Saudi satellite" club anymore. In May 2025, Al-Sheikh sold the club to a group of investors led by SMC Group. While the Saudi connection remains through the new owners, the club is trying to establish a more independent identity in Spanish football.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
If you’re tracking future matchups between these two, keep these things in mind:
- Watch the Substitutions: These games usually fall apart after the 60th minute when both teams swap out 7-8 players. The first half is usually where the "real" football happens.
- Home Field Matters: Almería plays exceptionally well at home against Saudi teams. The climate and the familiarity with the pitch give them a massive edge.
- The "Ronaldo" Factor: If CR7 is playing, Al-Nassr's odds skyrocket, but Almería’s defenders play with 200% more intensity just to say they tackled him. It makes for very "choppy" games with lots of fouls.
- Expect Goals: In their last three meetings, they’ve averaged nearly 3.5 goals per game. Defensive discipline usually takes a back seat to attacking flair in these exhibition matches.
Keep an eye on the summer 2026 schedule. With Almería fighting for promotion and Al-Nassr continuing their global expansion, another "friendly" is almost a certainty. Just don't expect it to be friendly.
To stay ahead, verify the confirmed lineups at least an hour before kickoff, as Saudi clubs often rotate heavily during European tours. You should also monitor the official UD Almería social media channels for last-minute ticket releases, as these games often sell out to local fans desperate to see international superstars in person.