English Premier League
Union end Marbella camp with heavy defeat and late setback in Malaga draw
Al Ittihad rounded off their pre-season training camp in Spain in disappointing fashion, suffering a heavy defeat to Real Mallorca before conceding a late equaliser against Malaga in a second friendly on Thursday.
The Saudi Pro League side, preparing for the 2026-27 campaign, played two matches on the final day of their stay in Marbella, losing 4-2 to Real Mallorca in the morning before being held to a 2-2 draw by Malaga later in the day.
German head coach Jens Vessing used largely reserve players in the first game, which saw Al Ittihad fall to their heaviest loss of the camp.
Argentine youngster Mateo Burrel gave Al Ittihad the lead in the 15th minute, but Real Mallorca hit back to take control of the contest. Adnan Al Bashri struck in the 75th minute to reduce the deficit, yet the Spanish side had already done enough to secure a 4-2 victory.
Later, against Malaga, Vessing restored most of his first-choice XI and saw a much-improved display, although his team were unable to hold on to a two-goal advantage.
Dutch winger Steven Bergwijn opened the scoring in the fourth minute, before Nigerian forward George Elenikhnna doubled the lead in the 33rd minute, capping a dominant first-half performance from the Jeddah club.
Al Ittihad went into the break 2-0 up, but Malaga responded strongly after half-time. Adrian Nino pulled one back in the 54th minute, and Joaquin Munoz levelled just four minutes later to leave the match tied at 2-2.
The two results meant Al Ittihad closed their Marbella camp with a mixed record: victories over Orlando Pirates of South Africa, 3-2, and Spanish side Las Palmas, 2-1, followed by the 4-2 defeat to Real Mallorca and the 2-2 draw with Malaga.
Return to Jeddah and next phase of preparation
The team, nicknamed “The Tigers”, are scheduled to fly back to Jeddah within hours to begin the third and final phase of their preparations for the new season.
Al Ittihad’s first competitive fixture of 2026-27 will be a crucial one. They face Al Jazira of the United Arab Emirates on 11 August in a play-off tie that will determine qualification for the AFC Champions League Elite.
