Benfica B vs Al-Nassr

Al-Nassr could not have asked for a better start. Inside four minutes, midfielder Abdulmalik Al-Jaber — making his first appearance for the club — put the Saudi champions ahead, capitalising on a moment of uncertainty in the Benfica B defence. The visitors, featuring senior stars such as Brazil international goalkeeper Bento, Mohamed Simakan, Wesley, Ângelo and Kingsley Coman, looked composed in the opening exchanges.

Benfica B, managed by Nélson Veríssimo, struggled to find rhythm in the first half-hour. The young Eagles had drawn all three of their previous pre-season outings — 0-0 against Sintrense, 1-1 with Lusitano de Évora and 0-0 versus Torreense — and the early deficit threatened a fourth consecutive winless result.

The second period brought a marked shift. Benfica B raised their intensity and pressed higher, forcing errors from an Al-Nassr side still adjusting to Postecoglou's methods. The equaliser arrived through Tiago Rodrigues, who finished calmly after a well-worked move. Minutes later, Guilherme Gaspar completed the turnaround, slotting home to leave Al-Nassr with no time to respond.

The switch from the first 30-minute block to the second. Al-Nassr dominated the opening phase with their individual quality — Bento, Simakan, Wesley, Ângelo and Coman all started — but Benfica B's tactical discipline and higher press after the interval disrupted the Saudi side's rhythm entirely. Postecoglou's decision to field a mix of senior stars and new faces meant cohesion was always going to be an issue, and Benfica B exploited it ruthlessly inside a 15-minute spell.

Tiago Rodrigues (Benfica B) — Scored the crucial equaliser that swung momentum. His movement off the ball and composed finish were the catalysts for the turnaround.

Guilherme Gaspar (Benfica B) — The match-winner. His clinical finish completed the comeback and gave Nélson Veríssimo's side a first pre-season victory.

Abdulmalik Al-Jaber (Al-Nassr) — The bright spot for the visitors. The 22-year-old marked his Al-Nassr debut with a goal inside four minutes, showing sharp movement and composure beyond his years.

Player of the match: Tiago Rodrigues — his equaliser shifted the game's trajectory decisively in Benfica B's favour.

The match was played over 60 minutes rather than the standard 90, split into two 30-minute halves at Al-Nassr's request, so conventional possession and xG data are not available. The condensed format placed a premium on efficiency: Al-Nassr scored from their first meaningful attack but created little thereafter, while Benfica B converted two of their best chances in the second period. The 2-1 scoreline flatters neither side's dominance — it reflects a game of sharp bursts rather than sustained control.

For Benfica B, this is a significant confidence boost. Nélson Veríssimo's side had drawn three consecutive friendlies before this win, and beating a senior Saudi Pro League champion side — even a depleted one — adds credibility to their pre-season build-up. Upcoming friendlies against Casa Pia, Mérida and Mafra will provide further tests before the Liga Portugal 2 campaign begins.

For Al-Nassr, Postecoglou's reign begins with a setback. The Australian succeeded Jorge Jesus, who led the club to the Saudi Pro League title last season before taking over as Saudi Arabia national team manager. With Cristiano Ronaldo and João Félix both absent on post-World Cup leave, and the season-opener against Al-Fateh on 15 August still three weeks away, there is time to integrate ideas. The club's Portugal training camp continues with friendlies against Mérida (28 July), Estrela da Amadora (1 August) and Almería (4 August).

A useful workout for both sides with very different takeaways. Benfica B's young squad showed resilience and tactical discipline to overturn an early deficit, while Al-Nassr's disjointed display underlines the challenge facing Postecoglou as he blends star names, new signings and a new system — all without Ronaldo — before the competitive season begins.