Granada CF vs NEOM

Granada's second goal came via a counter-attack in the 79th minute. Gerard Gumbau, who had just entered the pitch as a substitute, picked up the ball in midfield, drove forward unchallenged and slotted calmly past the goalkeeper in a one-on-one situation. The goal killed off any prospect of a NEOM fightback and gave the scoreline a more comfortable look than the first half had suggested.

• Manu Lama (Granada CF) — The centre-back scored his first goal of pre-season with a well-timed header from a corner and was solid defensively. His goal gave Granada the platform to control the game.

• Gerard Gumbau (Granada CF) — The midfielder needed only minutes after his introduction to seal the result. His composure on the counter-attack was the decisive moment of the second half.

• Raúl Lizoain (Granada CF) — The new goalkeeper, signed as the club's first summer arrival, kept a clean sheet on his debut. Pacheta praised his presence and communication.

Player of the match: Manu Lama.

Granada's 2-0 win reflects a game of two halves. The first period was evenly contested, with NEOM — a Saudi Pro League side managed by a Portuguese coaching staff and featuring Benrahma and Lacazette — holding their own. Granada's set-piece opener was the difference at the break. After the interval, Granada created more open-play chances, hit the woodwork, and eventually added the second through Gumbau. The clean sheet, built on a back four that included new signing Bourama and a composed debut from Lizoain, was as significant as the goals for a side still building fitness and cohesion.

This was Granada's second pre-season friendly of the 2026/27 campaign, following the 1-1 draw with Juventud Torremolinos on 19 July. Pacheta's side are preparing for the 2026-27 Segunda División season, which kicks off in mid-August. Granada will play further friendlies ahead of the start of the La Liga 2 campaign, with their league opener scheduled for mid-August 2026.

NEOM SC, who finished 8th in the Saudi Pro League in 2025-26, are continuing their pre-season tour of Spain. They faced Orlando Pirates in Marbella on 24 July (a 1-0 win for NEOM) and will begin their Saudi Pro League season on 14 August 2026 away to Al-Fayha.

A solid, professional pre-season performance from Granada. The first-half goal from a set-piece and the second on the break showed good variety, while the clean sheet — particularly with a new goalkeeper — will please Pacheta. NEOM had moments but lacked the cutting edge to trouble a well-organised Granada defence. The result confirms Granada are on track in their preparation for the Segunda División season.