Orlando Pirates have maintained their impressive unbeaten record against Spanish opposition following a 1-1 draw with Córdoba CF in their opening pre-season friendly in Spain.
The reigning Betway Premiership champions came from behind to secure a draw against the LaLiga 2 side, with Boitumelo Radiopane scoring the equaliser in the second half.
Pirates are back in Spain for a fourth successive pre-season camp as they prepare for the 2026/27 campaign under head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.
Pirates remain unbeaten against Spanish clubs
The Buccaneers have faced several Spanish teams during their recent pre-season tours and are yet to suffer defeat.
Their unbeaten record against Spanish opposition now includes matches against Córdoba CF, Granada CF, Sevilla FC and UD Las Palmas.
Against Córdoba, Pirates fell behind in the second half before Radiopane capitalised on a high-pressing move to find the equaliser and secure a 1-1 draw.
The result continued an impressive run that stretches back to the club’s previous pre-season tours in Spain.
Memorable victories over Sevilla and Granada
One of Pirates’ biggest results on Spanish soil came in July 2024, when they claimed a memorable 2-0 victory over Sevilla FC.
Goals from Miguel Timm and Kabelo Dlamini secured the win against the decorated Spanish club.
A year later, Pirates recorded another 2-0 victory, this time against Granada CF. Late goals from Patrick Maswanganyi and Relebohile Mofokeng sealed the result.
The Buccaneers have also twice held UD Las Palmas to goalless draws, further strengthening their unbeaten record against Spanish opposition.
Orlando Pirates’ unbeaten record against Spanish opposition
Pirates’ results against Spanish clubs during their recent pre-season tours:
- 2023: UD Las Palmas 0-0 Orlando Pirates
- 2024: Sevilla FC 0-2 Orlando Pirates
- 2025: UD Las Palmas 0-0 Orlando Pirates
- 2025: Granada CF 0-2 Orlando Pirates
- 2026: Córdoba CF 1-1 Orlando Pirates
Across those five matches, Pirates have recorded two wins, three draws and zero defeats, scoring five goals and conceding just one.
More tests ahead for Pirates in Spain
The draw against Córdoba was the first of five friendly matches scheduled for Pirates during their latest European pre-season camp.
Ouaddou’s side are next expected to face Cádiz CF on 18 July, before taking on Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ittihad on 21 July.
Pirates will then face familiar opponents UD Las Palmas on 22 July, before concluding their friendly programme against Saudi Arabian side Neom SC on 24 July.
With a mixture of new signings, established first-team players and academy graduates in the travelling squad, Pirates will use the remaining fixtures to build towards their Betway Premiership title defence and upcoming CAF Champions League campaign.