Patronato vs Almagro - Primera Nacional

A fascinating Primera Nacional chapter awaits on August 30, 2026 when Patronato take on Almagro at the home ground — two sides with plenty to play for and everything to prove. Enzo Maresca and Rico Lewis held a pre-match press conference on Saturday as Manchester City prepare to face Atletico Madrid in their third pre-season friendly of the summer.

Positionally there is a clear hierarchy: Patronato sit 16th, Almagro lie 13th, but the Primera Nacional has a habit of defying such logic. Patronato are in the midst of a difficult spell, DDLWD in their last five summing up a win rate of 17.24%. The visitors have been hard to predict on their travels, D in their last five reflecting a win rate of 31.03%. One side has leaned on a miserly defence, the other on a free-scoring attack, and the meeting of those contrasting strengths promises an intriguing tactical subtext. Tim Sherwood makes his predictions for the new Premier League season, including who he thinks will make the top four in the table.

Tactically, the contest promises a fascinating contrast. Patronato will look to impose their style on home soil, while Almagro are likely to have ideas of their own about how to gain the upper hand. And his efficiency in possession will be helped by those whom he now shares a dressing room with, allowing a more progressive midfielder to develop akin to City's style.

The fixture features no shortage of talent, and the league's top marksman A. Ruiz — 2 goals this term — will be one to watch. The wide areas will be a key battleground, with full-backs and wingers on either side capable of swinging the contest one way or the other. There has been some reports over the future of Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes.(Image: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) Chelsea have joined the race with Liverpool and Manchester United to sign Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara.

With the sides closely matched, the outcome may well hinge on which team takes its chances on the day. The numbers tilt towards Almagro, and a 1-2 away win looks the more probable outcome. More than just three points is on the line at the home ground — this is a fixture that could shape the narrative of both clubs' seasons. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Liverpool's midfield wasn't great last year but I expect Florian Wirtz to have a better season, 100 per cent.