Key Points
- Match Result: Crystal Palace defeated Saudi second-tier side Al-Ula 3-1 to claim fifth place at the Como Cup.
- Early Advantage: Justin Devenny opened the scoring in the first minute, followed by an Eddie Nketiah goal in the 10th minute assisted by 20-year-old Rio Cardines.
- Opponent Response: Abdulmajeed Al-Sulaiheem scored for Al-Ula in the 16th minute to cut the deficit.
- Decisive Strike: Centre-back Jaydee Canvot scored from a corner in the 57th minute to secure the 3-1 win.
- Squad Boosts: Chris Richards and Daichi Kamada made their first pre-season appearances following their return from the World Cup.
- Next Fixture: Crystal Palace will host Fulham in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Friday, 7 August.
Crystal Palace (South London News) August 1, 2026 – Crystal Palace secured a 3-1 victory against Saudi second-tier outfit Al-Ula to finish in fifth position at the Como Cup, relying on rapid early goals and a set-piece header to seal their pre-season triumph. The London side produced an energetic performance that combined quick transition play with valuable rotational minutes for returning international stars.
How Did the Match Unfold Against Al-Ula?
Crystal Palace established immediate dominance from the opening whistle. Operating as an attacking midfielder, Justin Devenny scored in the first minute of the match, applying a precise finish at the near post to cap off a swift counter-attacking movement.
As reported by Palace TV, midfielder Justin Devenny stated that:
“We do that in training all the time. As soon as we win the ball back, we know we need to counter-attack quickly. We did it all throughout last season.”
Highlighting his versatile role in the squad, Devenny added:
“I think it is a bit of a strength playing in different positions. I was here, there and everywhere at times last season, but I’m happy playing wherever I’m needed.”
The early pressure paid further dividends in the 10th minute when 20-year-old Rio Cardines picked out striker Eddie Nketiah, who converted from close range to double the Eagles’ advantage.
Al-Ula responded in the 16th minute when midfielder Abdulmajeed Al-Sulaiheem found the target to reduce the margin to 2-1. However, Crystal Palace restored their two-goal lead in the 57th minute when centre-back Jaydee Canvot poked the ball home following a corner kick, effectively putting the game beyond Al-Ula’s reach.
What Did Head Coach Pierre Sage Say About the Performance?
The fixture marked another step in the pre-season integration phase under new manager Pierre Sage, who handed defender Chris Richards and midfielder Daichi Kamada their first minutes of the summer after their return from World Cup duty.
As reported by official club media, head coach Pierre Sage stated that:
“We played how we choose to play. It is kind of a success, but now we have to do that for the whole game. For me, it is important to see my team taking chances.”
Sage emphasized the importance of tactical discipline and converting chances as the squad continues to adapt to his tactical philosophy ahead of the official competitive campaign.
What Is the Background of This Pre-Season Tournament Development?
The Como Cup provided Crystal Palace with an opportunity to test tactical setups, integrate key international players returning from major summer tournaments, and evaluate emerging academy talent.
Having navigated squad rotations across the tournament, the inclusion of young players like 20-year-old Rio Cardines and the tactical deployment of Justin Devenny highlight the coaching staff’s focus on positional flexibility. Furthermore, integrating experienced internationals Chris Richards and Daichi Kamada into match rhythm remains central to building physical conditioning before competitive domestic fixtures commence.
Crystal Palace’s pre-season schedule now moves to domestic preparations, with their next fixture scheduled as a behind-closed-doors friendly against Premier League rivals Fulham on Friday, 7 August.
How Will This Development Affect Crystal Palace and Their Supporters?
This victory and the accompanying pre-season minutes provide several distinct outcomes for the team, management, and fanbase:
Tactical Clarity and Depth
The successful application of high-tempo counter-attacking tactics reinforces Pierre Sage’s vision for the squad. Players demonstrating tactical adaptability—such as Justin Devenny operating effectively across multiple midfield roles—gives the management team broader options during congested domestic schedules.
Youth Integration
Assists and decisive contributions from younger squad members like Rio Cardines and Jaydee Canvot build confidence within the squad hierarchy, establishing viable rotational depth without immediate reliance on transfer market solutions.
Fitness and Readiness for Supporters
For the supporters, seeing returning World Cup stars Chris Richards and Daichi Kamada gain match fitness ensures key personnel are nearing peak condition ahead of the competitive season, easing concerns regarding post-tournament fatigue.
