Granada CF Open Pre-Season with Comfortable 2-0 Win Over NEOM Sports Club

Granada CF kicked off their 2026 pre-season preparations with a convincing 2-0 victory over Saudi Arabian side NEOM Sports Club in an International Club Friendly held on 23 July 2026. The match, played at a neutral venue, offered the Andalusian outfit a solid platform to build fitness and test new tactical ideas under the summer sun, while their visitors gained valuable exposure against European opposition.

The first half saw Granada dominate possession and create several clear-cut chances. Their breakthrough came in the 28th minute when a slick passing move carved open the NEOM defence, allowing Granada's forward to slot home from close range. The goal reflected the home side's superior technical quality and quick transitions, which kept the Saudi club on the back foot for long stretches.

NEOM Sports Club, a relatively new project in world football, showed flashes of counter-attacking intent but struggled to consistently trouble the Granada backline. The Spanish side's defensive organisation, marshalled by an experienced central pairing, ensured goalkeeper Raúl Fernández had a quiet evening.

Granada doubled their advantage early in the second half. A well-worked set piece caught the NEOM defence napping, with a towering header from a corner giving the keeper no chance. From that point, the game settled into a controlled tempo, with Granada managing their lead while making a series of substitutions to share minutes among the squad.

The result gives manager Guillermo Abascal a positive start to pre-season, with the team showing sharpness despite being early in their training block. For NEOM, the match served as a useful benchmark as they continue their development under ambitious ownership, aiming to compete at higher levels in Asian football.

Granada will now turn their attention to further friendlies before the start of the 2026-27 Segunda División campaign, while NEOM Sports Club return to Saudi Arabia to continue their domestic preparations.