Match story
- Barcelona held more of the ball (61% possession).
Barcelona defeated Almeria 4-0 in La Liga. The fixture is part of the Regular Season - 30 stage in the 2014 season. The match was played at Camp Nou in Barcelona. Alejandro Hernandez, Spain officiated the match. The full-time result capped a Barcelona vs Almeria meeting in La Liga with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Barcelona and Almeria. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
La LigaRecorded meetings: 0 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
Barcelona defeated Almeria 4-0 in La Liga. The fixture is part of the Regular Season - 30 stage in the 2014 season. The match was played at Camp Nou in Barcelona. Alejandro Hernandez, Spain officiated the match. The full-time result capped a Barcelona vs Almeria meeting in La Liga with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Barcelona and Almeria. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
La LigaRecorded meetings: 0 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
While the Portuguese superstar continues preparing for another season in Saudi Arabia, developments away from the pitch have placed his growing soccer business interests in the spotlight alongside Al-Ittihad's summer recruitment strategy. Cristiano Ronaldo has unexpectedly found himself connected to one of the biggest transfer stories involving one of Al-Nassr’s fiercest Saudi Pro League rivals. While the Portuguese superstar continues preparing for another season in Saudi Arabia, developments away from the pitch have placed his growing soccer business interests in the spotlight alongside Al-Ittihad’s summer recruitment strategy. The latest move has raised eyebrows across the league, especially as Al-Ittihad moved quickly to strengthen its squad while Al-Nassr is still waiting to complete its first major signing of the transfer window. Ronaldo’s investment outside Saudi Arabia has now played an indirect role in helping one of the club’s biggest domestic competitors. Al-Ittihad has officially completed the signing of Senegal midfielder Dion Lopy from Spanish club Almeria, making him the club’s first overseas arrival of the summer transfer window. According to reports from Al-Riyadiah and several other outlets, the 24-year-old signed a long-term contract after the Tigers agreed to pay approximately $15 million, with the transfer fee scheduled to be paid in installments. The deal also reportedly includes a 10% sell-on clause in favor of Almeria should Lopy be transferred again in the future. The Tigers’ midfield is under the Black Panther’s command 🇸🇳🐅 pic.twitter.com/wDtEPNLc6U— Al-Ittihad Club (@ittihad_en) August 5, 2026 The Saudi club confirmed the transfer through an announcement on its official social media channels, although it did not disclose the financial details. Ronaldo’s Almeria investment creates unexpected link The transfer carries an unusual twist because Almeria is partially owned by Cristiano Ronaldo. Earlier in 2026, Ronaldo acquired a 25% ownership stake in the Spanish club, expanding his soccer portfolio while continuing his playing career with Al-Nassr. That investment means one of Ronaldo’s clubs has now completed a profitable sale to Al-Ittihad, a direct Saudi Pro League rival that continues to challenge Al-Nassr for domestic honors. The timing has attracted attention because Al-Ittihad has already secured its first major foreign signing, while Al-Nassr has yet to bring in a new player during the current transfer window. Cristiano Ronaldo of team Al-Nassr FC competes for the ball with Ahmed Al-Julaydan of team Al-Ittihad FC The Senegal international joins Al-Ittihad following the departure of Brazilian midfielder Fabinho, whose contract expired at the end of last season. Lopy primarily operates as a defensive midfielder, although he is also capable of playing in a deeper central role. His versatility is expected to provide additional balance in midfield as the club prepares for the upcoming Saudi Pro League campaign. Since arriving at Almeria from Stade Reims in 2023, Lopy made 105 appearances, scoring four goals and contributing six assists across all competitions. Tansfer that benefits everyone The midfielder built a reputation in Spain through his physical presence, defensive awareness and ability to recover possession. During the 2025-26 campaign, he featured regularly in midfield while also contributing going forward with three goals and two assists in league competition. Statistical reports highlighted his impact in defensive situations, including strong numbers for tackles, interceptions, ball recoveries and aerial duels. His passing range also made him an attractive option for a possession-based side looking to strengthen its midfield. From the Land of Teranga 🇸🇳 to the Tigers’ Den 🐅 pic.twitter.com/9qz0cG9wQO— Al-Ittihad Club (@ittihad_en) August 5, 2026 For Al-Ittihad, the signing addresses an important gap left by Fabinho’s departure while adding an experienced international midfielder entering
Cristiano Ronaldo will once again be missing when Al-Nassr takes on Almeria in a preseason friendly, leaving supporters wondering why the Portuguese superstar has yet to return to action. Cristiano Ronaldo will once again be missing when Al-Nassr takes on Almeria in a preseason friendly, leaving supporters wondering why the Portuguese superstar has yet to return to action. The fixture carries added intrigue because of Ronaldo’s unique connection to the Spanish club, making his absence even more noticeable ahead of one of the final warm-up matches before the new campaign. The friendly, scheduled at the Cidade do Futebol in Oeiras, Portugal, is expected to provide another important test for both clubs. While Al-Nassr continues preparing under new head coach Ange Postecoglou, Almeria is using the occasion to sharpen its squad ahead of the new Segunda Division season. Almeria heads into the match after gradually building rhythm during preseason under new manager Xavier Garcia Pimienta. Friendlies against Aguilas, Granada, and Real Betis have helped the Spanish side improve fitness levels while allowing the coaching staff to implement a possession-based style of play. Monday’s preparations included another double training session, with recent signing Mikel Vesga fully integrated into the squad. Garcia Pimienta has continued emphasizing collective movement and ball retention as the foundations of his football philosophy. ⚽️ ¡Hoy tenemos un gran partido de pretemporada! 🤩🆚 @AlNassrFC.⌚️ 19:00 h. 🇪🇸📍🇵🇹 Cidade do Futebol.📺 Streaming en nuestro perfil de X. 🤝 Partido patrocinado por @Alawalyre.#PretemporadaUDA pic.twitter.com/c45iiRgZbn— UD Almería (@U_D_Almeria) August 4, 2026 On the opposite side, Al-Nassr is also entering the closing stages of its Portuguese training camp. The Saudi champion has produced mixed results so far, losing to Benfica B before defeating Merida and then suffering a 4-2 defeat against Estrela Amadora. Why Ronaldo is missing the match Cristiano Ronaldo will not feature against Almeria because he is still enjoying an extended recovery period following Portugal’s participation in the 2026 World Cup. According to multiple reports, the decision has nothing to do with injury or fitness concerns. Instead, Al-Nassr has granted its captain additional time off before the demanding 2026-27 season begins. Reports indicate Ronaldo will only return after Al-Nassr completes its preseason camp in Portugal. The Lisbon camp concludes on August 5, after which the squad will travel back to Riyadh before making final preparations for the Saudi Pro League opener against Al-Fateh on August 15. That timeline would leave Ronaldo with roughly one week of full training before the competitive campaign begins. View this post on Instagram Ronaldo still expected to be involved Although he will not appear on the pitch, Ronaldo is reportedly expected to attend the match from the VIP section. Spanish newspaper Marca reports suggest the Portuguese icon will watch alongside businessman Mohammed Al-Khereiji, one of his closest business partners. His presence would allow him to support Al-Nassr while also acknowledging another important part of his soccer career away from playing. The visit has also fueled optimism that Ronaldo’s return to team training is drawing closer after several weeks away from the squad. This preseason friendly carries additional significance because the 41-year-old superstar became a part-owner of Almeria earlier this year. In February 2026, the Portuguese legend reportedly acquired a 25 percent ownership stake in the Spanish club through CR7 Sports Investments, partnering with Almeria owner Mohammed Al-Khereiji.
Barcelona are looking for more reinforcements at the top of the pitch, with Hansi Flick admitting they may need a new centre forward. The post Barcelona ‘have to do something’ about new striker, concedes Flick appeared first on SoccerNews.
According to SPORT, FC Barcelona wrapped up their preseason training camp in England with an internal training match, providing Hansi Flick with encouraging news ahead of the team’s return to Spain....
Due to lack of first-team players, the friendly between FC Barcelona and Preston North End has been called off, in a sudden setback for head coach Hansi Flick and his preseason preparations. Hansi Flick is back at the helm for FC Barcelona‘s preseason following a recent contract extension with the Spanish giant. However, the German manager’s preparations in England hit an unexpected snag when a scheduled friendly against Preston North End was abruptly canceled due to a player shortage on the opposition’s side. During their camp in the British Isles, Barcelona planned two exhibition matches, starting with Friday’s fixture against Birmingham City and concluding with a Monday matchup against Preston North End. While the opener resulted in a 2-2 draw (followed by a 3-2 loss in a penalty shootout), Monday’s game against the Lilywhites was officially scrapped. Preston North End, originally set to face Barcelona on Monday, Aug. 3, contacted the Spanish club to disclose that they lacked enough fit first-team players to fulfill the fixture. The Championship side is slated to open its competitive campaign Saturday in the Carabao Cup against Huddersfield Town, prompting the coaching staff to protect their remaining senior squad from potential injuries. Preston proposed playing the exhibition using their U-21 roster instead. As reported by Spanish outlet Diario Sport, Barcelona rejected the alternative, opting to replace the match with a standard training session and ultimately pulling the plug on the contest. Warming up for a big day of training. 🏋️♀️⚽️ pic.twitter.com/A3NLma3Bum— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 2, 2026 The matchup at St. George’s Park was scheduled to be Barcelona’s third preseason test and their final fixture in England. Under the circumstances, Flick will accelerate the team’s return to Spain to continue preparations while awaiting the arrival of several key international stars, most notably Spain’s World Cup winners. What’s next on Barcelona’s preseason schedule? Raphinha, Karim Adeyemi, and Wojciech Szczesny headline the prominent veterans who traveled to England for the training camp rather than taking extended time off. Meanwhile, the club’s World Cup participants are expected to rejoin Flick’s squad once the team arrives back in Catalonia ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. Upon returning to Spain, Barcelona’s next test comes Friday, Aug. 8, in a triangular tournament against Udinese and Nottingham Forest. Marking the inaugural Friuli Venezia Giulia Cup in Udine, Italy, the Spanish, Italian, and English sides will face off on the same day in condensed 45-minute matches. Barcelona will then cap off its exhibition calendar with the traditional Joan Gamper Trophy on Aug. 19 at Spotify Camp Nou against Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly. With five tune-up matches instead of the six originally planned, Flick’s squad will kick off its 2026-27 La Liga campaign on Sunday, August 23, traveling to face Elche for their league opener.
Tap a headline to view metadata and excerpt fields in Sportra, then use the article website button to continue on the original publisher page.
While the Portuguese superstar continues preparing for another season in Saudi Arabia, developments away from the pitch have placed his growing soccer business interests in the spotlight alongside Al-Ittihad's summer recruitment strategy. Cristiano Ronaldo has unexpectedly found himself connected to one of the biggest transfer stories involving one of Al-Nassr’s fiercest Saudi Pro League rivals. While the Portuguese superstar continues preparing for another season in Saudi Arabia, developments away from the pitch have placed his growing soccer business interests in the spotlight alongside Al-Ittihad’s summer recruitment strategy. The latest move has raised eyebrows across the league, especially as Al-Ittihad moved quickly to strengthen its squad while Al-Nassr is still waiting to complete its first major signing of the transfer window. Ronaldo’s investment outside Saudi Arabia has now played an indirect role in helping one of the club’s biggest domestic competitors. Al-Ittihad has officially completed the signing of Senegal midfielder Dion Lopy from Spanish club Almeria, making him the club’s first overseas arrival of the summer transfer window. According to reports from Al-Riyadiah and several other outlets, the 24-year-old signed a long-term contract after the Tigers agreed to pay approximately $15 million, with the transfer fee scheduled to be paid in installments. The deal also reportedly includes a 10% sell-on clause in favor of Almeria should Lopy be transferred again in the future. The Tigers’ midfield is under the Black Panther’s command 🇸🇳🐅 pic.twitter.com/wDtEPNLc6U— Al-Ittihad Club (@ittihad_en) August 5, 2026 The Saudi club confirmed the transfer through an announcement on its official social media channels, although it did not disclose the financial details. Ronaldo’s Almeria investment creates unexpected link The transfer carries an unusual twist because Almeria is partially owned by Cristiano Ronaldo. Earlier in 2026, Ronaldo acquired a 25% ownership stake in the Spanish club, expanding his soccer portfolio while continuing his playing career with Al-Nassr. That investment means one of Ronaldo’s clubs has now completed a profitable sale to Al-Ittihad, a direct Saudi Pro League rival that continues to challenge Al-Nassr for domestic honors. The timing has attracted attention because Al-Ittihad has already secured its first major foreign signing, while Al-Nassr has yet to bring in a new player during the current transfer window. Cristiano Ronaldo of team Al-Nassr FC competes for the ball with Ahmed Al-Julaydan of team Al-Ittihad FC The Senegal international joins Al-Ittihad following the departure of Brazilian midfielder Fabinho, whose contract expired at the end of last season. Lopy primarily operates as a defensive midfielder, although he is also capable of playing in a deeper central role. His versatility is expected to provide additional balance in midfield as the club prepares for the upcoming Saudi Pro League campaign. Since arriving at Almeria from Stade Reims in 2023, Lopy made 105 appearances, scoring four goals and contributing six assists across all competitions. Tansfer that benefits everyone The midfielder built a reputation in Spain through his physical presence, defensive awareness and ability to recover possession. During the 2025-26 campaign, he featured regularly in midfield while also contributing going forward with three goals and two assists in league competition. Statistical reports highlighted his impact in defensive situations, including strong numbers for tackles, interceptions, ball recoveries and aerial duels. His passing range also made him an attractive option for a possession-based side looking to strengthen its midfield. From the Land of Teranga 🇸🇳 to the Tigers’ Den 🐅 pic.twitter.com/9qz0cG9wQO— Al-Ittihad Club (@ittihad_en) August 5, 2026 For Al-Ittihad, the signing addresses an important gap left by Fabinho’s departure while adding an experienced international midfielder entering
Cristiano Ronaldo will once again be missing when Al-Nassr takes on Almeria in a preseason friendly, leaving supporters wondering why the Portuguese superstar has yet to return to action. Cristiano Ronaldo will once again be missing when Al-Nassr takes on Almeria in a preseason friendly, leaving supporters wondering why the Portuguese superstar has yet to return to action. The fixture carries added intrigue because of Ronaldo’s unique connection to the Spanish club, making his absence even more noticeable ahead of one of the final warm-up matches before the new campaign. The friendly, scheduled at the Cidade do Futebol in Oeiras, Portugal, is expected to provide another important test for both clubs. While Al-Nassr continues preparing under new head coach Ange Postecoglou, Almeria is using the occasion to sharpen its squad ahead of the new Segunda Division season. Almeria heads into the match after gradually building rhythm during preseason under new manager Xavier Garcia Pimienta. Friendlies against Aguilas, Granada, and Real Betis have helped the Spanish side improve fitness levels while allowing the coaching staff to implement a possession-based style of play. Monday’s preparations included another double training session, with recent signing Mikel Vesga fully integrated into the squad. Garcia Pimienta has continued emphasizing collective movement and ball retention as the foundations of his football philosophy. ⚽️ ¡Hoy tenemos un gran partido de pretemporada! 🤩🆚 @AlNassrFC.⌚️ 19:00 h. 🇪🇸📍🇵🇹 Cidade do Futebol.📺 Streaming en nuestro perfil de X. 🤝 Partido patrocinado por @Alawalyre.#PretemporadaUDA pic.twitter.com/c45iiRgZbn— UD Almería (@U_D_Almeria) August 4, 2026 On the opposite side, Al-Nassr is also entering the closing stages of its Portuguese training camp. The Saudi champion has produced mixed results so far, losing to Benfica B before defeating Merida and then suffering a 4-2 defeat against Estrela Amadora. Why Ronaldo is missing the match Cristiano Ronaldo will not feature against Almeria because he is still enjoying an extended recovery period following Portugal’s participation in the 2026 World Cup. According to multiple reports, the decision has nothing to do with injury or fitness concerns. Instead, Al-Nassr has granted its captain additional time off before the demanding 2026-27 season begins. Reports indicate Ronaldo will only return after Al-Nassr completes its preseason camp in Portugal. The Lisbon camp concludes on August 5, after which the squad will travel back to Riyadh before making final preparations for the Saudi Pro League opener against Al-Fateh on August 15. That timeline would leave Ronaldo with roughly one week of full training before the competitive campaign begins. View this post on Instagram Ronaldo still expected to be involved Although he will not appear on the pitch, Ronaldo is reportedly expected to attend the match from the VIP section. Spanish newspaper Marca reports suggest the Portuguese icon will watch alongside businessman Mohammed Al-Khereiji, one of his closest business partners. His presence would allow him to support Al-Nassr while also acknowledging another important part of his soccer career away from playing. The visit has also fueled optimism that Ronaldo’s return to team training is drawing closer after several weeks away from the squad. This preseason friendly carries additional significance because the 41-year-old superstar became a part-owner of Almeria earlier this year. In February 2026, the Portuguese legend reportedly acquired a 25 percent ownership stake in the Spanish club through CR7 Sports Investments, partnering with Almeria owner Mohammed Al-Khereiji.
Barcelona are looking for more reinforcements at the top of the pitch, with Hansi Flick admitting they may need a new centre forward. The post Barcelona ‘have to do something’ about new striker, concedes Flick appeared first on SoccerNews.
According to SPORT, FC Barcelona wrapped up their preseason training camp in England with an internal training match, providing Hansi Flick with encouraging news ahead of the team’s return to Spain....
Due to lack of first-team players, the friendly between FC Barcelona and Preston North End has been called off, in a sudden setback for head coach Hansi Flick and his preseason preparations. Hansi Flick is back at the helm for FC Barcelona‘s preseason following a recent contract extension with the Spanish giant. However, the German manager’s preparations in England hit an unexpected snag when a scheduled friendly against Preston North End was abruptly canceled due to a player shortage on the opposition’s side. During their camp in the British Isles, Barcelona planned two exhibition matches, starting with Friday’s fixture against Birmingham City and concluding with a Monday matchup against Preston North End. While the opener resulted in a 2-2 draw (followed by a 3-2 loss in a penalty shootout), Monday’s game against the Lilywhites was officially scrapped. Preston North End, originally set to face Barcelona on Monday, Aug. 3, contacted the Spanish club to disclose that they lacked enough fit first-team players to fulfill the fixture. The Championship side is slated to open its competitive campaign Saturday in the Carabao Cup against Huddersfield Town, prompting the coaching staff to protect their remaining senior squad from potential injuries. Preston proposed playing the exhibition using their U-21 roster instead. As reported by Spanish outlet Diario Sport, Barcelona rejected the alternative, opting to replace the match with a standard training session and ultimately pulling the plug on the contest. Warming up for a big day of training. 🏋️♀️⚽️ pic.twitter.com/A3NLma3Bum— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 2, 2026 The matchup at St. George’s Park was scheduled to be Barcelona’s third preseason test and their final fixture in England. Under the circumstances, Flick will accelerate the team’s return to Spain to continue preparations while awaiting the arrival of several key international stars, most notably Spain’s World Cup winners. What’s next on Barcelona’s preseason schedule? Raphinha, Karim Adeyemi, and Wojciech Szczesny headline the prominent veterans who traveled to England for the training camp rather than taking extended time off. Meanwhile, the club’s World Cup participants are expected to rejoin Flick’s squad once the team arrives back in Catalonia ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. Upon returning to Spain, Barcelona’s next test comes Friday, Aug. 8, in a triangular tournament against Udinese and Nottingham Forest. Marking the inaugural Friuli Venezia Giulia Cup in Udine, Italy, the Spanish, Italian, and English sides will face off on the same day in condensed 45-minute matches. Barcelona will then cap off its exhibition calendar with the traditional Joan Gamper Trophy on Aug. 19 at Spotify Camp Nou against Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly. With five tune-up matches instead of the six originally planned, Flick’s squad will kick off its 2026-27 La Liga campaign on Sunday, August 23, traveling to face Elche for their league opener.
Tap a headline to view metadata and excerpt fields in Sportra, then use the article website button to continue on the original publisher page.