Author: Sevilla FC Academy

The match began with Sevilla in control, and it quickly showed on the scoreboard. In the 8th minute, Manu Cruzado opened the scoring with a precise finish. In the 22nd minute, Abdullah Aljirafi doubled the lead, giving the team a comfortable cushion before the break.

In the second half, Óscar Olomo’s side kept up the intensity and went on to seal the win with an attacking display. Raymond Higham struck the third in the 64th minute, Pedro Berruezo added the fourth in the 74th, and Borja Tellado made it five in the 78th. The rout was completed late on when Fidel found the net in the 84th minute, rounding off a perfect evening for Sevilla.

With this triumph, Sevilla FC “D” begins the campaign with three points and excellent momentum, showing firepower, solidity, and a collective style of play that invites optimism for the rest of the season.

Starting XI – Sevilla FC “D”: Mario Rodríguez (C), Nacho González, Gavyn Nobles, Borja Tellado, Álex Gonzálvez, Pablo de la Rosa, Manu Cruzado, Parker Byas, Eduardo Mangles, Abdullah Aljirafi, and Khalid Aljirafi.
Substitutes used: Mamour Sené, Fidel Morán, Javi Estévez, Raymond Higham, Pedro Berruezo, David Torres, and Pablo García.

Picture: Raúl Pajares.

The match did not start well for the Sevillistas, after an unfortunate play that ended in an own goal. Nevertheless, the incident didn’t affect the team’s spirit and, right after the restart, they created a chance to equalize. Soon after, another opportunity came for the team in red-and-white through a header from David Torres.

La Rambla, however, also had chances to test Sevilla’s goalkeeper Bob Almenas, who stood firm to keep the scoreline intact. Before the break, Edu Mangles scored the equalizer with a thunderous right-footed strike from a set piece.

The second half began with a great save from Mario Rodríguez, who denied a one-on-one that could have put the opposition ahead. From then on, Sevilla’s pressing and ability to build play from midfield nearly resulted in a second goal, after a fine combination between Pedro Berruezo and Khalid Aljirafi created a one-on-one for Parker Byas, which was well stopped by the rival keeper. Pedro Berruezo himself had another chance to put the team ahead shortly after with a shot from the edge of the box, followed by a third opportunity involving him, Khalid Aljirafi, and Parker Byas once again.

Finally, the deadlock was broken thanks to a well-taken penalty by Abdullah Aljirafi, sealing Sevilla’s first preseason win.

Sevilla FC would like to thank La Rambla CF and the town of La Rambla for their kind invitation and hospitality in hosting this friendly match between our two sides. We take this opportunity to wish them every success in the upcoming season.

Sevilla FC “D” squad list: Bob Almenas, Tomás del Grosso, David Torres, Estévez, Fabián Rodríguez, Khalid Aljirafi, Tristán Figueroa, Edu Mangles, Parker Byas, Manu Cruzado, Pedro Berruezo. Mario Rodríguez, Gavyn Nobles, Borja Tellado, Nacho González, Álex Gonzálvez, Pablo G., Pablo de la Rosa, Fidel Morán, Abdullah Aljirafi, and Raymond Higham.

Sevilla FC “D” played its first match of the 2025/26 season last Friday against CD Salteras in the Aljarafe town. The match served as the squad’s first on-field test ahead of an exciting new campaign. It also marked the debut of the team’s new coaching staff.

Manu Cruzado sounded the first warning in the 3rd minute with a free kick from outside the box that ended up in the goalkeeper’s hands. Just five minutes in, Pedro Berruezo latched onto an exceptional through ball from David Torres behind the defense and finished first time with his left foot to beat the keeper. Twenty minutes later, CD Salteras equalized after capitalizing on a rebound in the box that led to a one-on-one, leaving Bob Almenas with little chance. Before halftime, a fine run from Abdullah Aljirafi nearly produced the game’s second goal.

The second half opened with another effort from Manu Cruzado, a shot from outside the box. In the 75th minute, Pedro Berruezo produced an excellent individual play down the wing, combining with Manu Cruzado before the Ceuta-born midfielder slotted the ball past the goalkeeper with a composed finish. With just seven minutes remaining, another loose rebound in the box allowed the home side to level the match once again.

From Sevilla FC, we thank CD Salteras for their kind invitation and hospitality, and we wish them a wonderful season. Likewise, we extend our condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Juan Fernández, who passed away in the days leading up to the match and was remembered in the initial minute of silence—especially to CD Salteras players Fernando and Sergio, President Manolo, coach Diego, and, of course, his children Juan, Joaquín, and María de los Ángeles.

Sevilla FC “D” squad list: Bob Almenas, Tomás del Grosso, David Torres, Estévez, Fabián Rodríguez, Felipe, Tristán Figueroa, Fernando Olomo, Parker Byas, Manu Cruzado, Pedro Berruezo. Mario Rodríguez, Gavyn Nobles, Borja Tellado, Nacho González, Álex Gonzálvez, Pablo G., Pablo de la Rosa, Fidel Morán, Abdullah Aljirafi, and Raymond Higham.

Photo: Lucas Yébenes.

Aljirafi is a versatile box-to-box midfielder, capable of playing as a holding midfielder, playmaker, or even an attacking midfielder. He is distinguished by his vision, ability to pick out passes, and late runs into the opponent’s box. Throughout his career, the young player has experienced several stages of international training and competition:

• Patuxent FA (USL League 2, United States), where he played the 2024 season.
• SYC MLS Next (Academy), where he recorded 32 matches, 17 goals, and 16 assists over two seasons.
• Richard Montgomery High School (Maryland), where he was named “Player of the Year” in his final season after captaining the side to the regional championship.
• Saudi Future Falcons (SAFF), representing Saudi Arabia in the prestigious international program, competing in tournaments against elite clubs such as Real Madrid, Newcastle, and Valencia.
• Arlington Academy (ECNL Boys), where he helped the team reach the No. 1 ranking nationwide in the United States, contributing 22 goals and 29 assists.

Khalid expressed his excitement about this new chapter in Nervión:

“My biggest aspiration is to represent the Saudi national team in World Cups and establish myself in European football. At Sevilla, I want to grow, contribute my leadership and creativity, and help the team achieve its goals.”

With this addition, Sevilla FC D strengthens its midfield with a young player who combines international experience with great potential for growth.