Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo played a key role in Al-Nassr’s 3-1 victory over Al-Fateh at Al-Awwal Stadium on Sunday. The win helped Al-Nassr close in on the top spots of the Saudi Pro League table as they aim to overtake third-placed Al Qadsiyah.
Despite Al-Fateh sitting at the bottom of the table, the match proved to be more challenging than expected for Al-Nassr. The visitors put up a solid defensive performance in the first half, but Al-Nassr’s relentless attacks eventually paid off.
Mane’s Early Strike Ruled Out
Sadio Mane thought he had opened the scoring just 15 minutes into the game. The Senegalese forward found space on a counterattack and unleashed a powerful shot past goalkeeper Peter Szappanos. However, the goal was disallowed after the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) flagged it for offside.
Ronaldo also had a chance to put Al-Nassr ahead when he headed the ball into the net, but VAR once again intervened to rule the effort offside.
Moments later, Al-Nassr finally broke the deadlock. Angelo’s cross caused confusion in the Al-Fateh defense, leading to an own goal by defender Marwane Saadane. Marcelo Brozovic almost doubled the lead before halftime with a spectacular long-range shot, but Szappanos made a brilliant save to keep Al-Fateh in the game.
Ronaldo’s Miss and Simakan’s Goal
In the second half, Al-Nassr intensified their attacks. Ronaldo came close to scoring when his shot hit the post, but goal-line technology confirmed the ball had not crossed the line. Minutes later, Ronaldo missed an easy chance from inside the six-yard box, sending his shot over the bar.
Al-Nassr’s persistence paid off when Mohamed Simakan headed in Angelo’s cross to extend the lead to 2-0. The goal seemed to settle the home side, but Al-Fateh had other plans.
Al-Fateh came alive after Simakan’s goal, hitting the woodwork twice in quick succession. Al-Nassr’s goalkeeper, Bento, then made a costly mistake. Attempting to dribble past two players in his own box, Bento lost the ball and gifted Mourad Batna a golden opportunity to score, which he did to cut Al-Nassr’s lead to 2-1.
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Ronaldo Secures the Win
With Al-Fateh pressing for an equalizer, Ronaldo delivered the decisive blow late in the game. Sadio Mane, who was impressive throughout, provided a perfectly timed pass that Ronaldo tapped into the net, restoring Al-Nassr’s two-goal cushion.
There was more drama in stoppage time when Ronaldo scored again, but VAR ruled it out due to an offside that occurred earlier in the buildup. The decision left Ronaldo visibly frustrated, but the result was already secured.
Mane Shines for Al-Nassr
Sadio Mane was a standout performer for Al-Nassr, creating several chances and assisting Ronaldo’s late goal. “Mane was outstanding,” an Al-Nassr fan commented after the match. “His work rate and creativity were key to today’s win.”
Despite Bento’s error, Al-Nassr held on to claim all three points. They will now turn their attention to Thursday’s clash against Al-Raed, who are battling relegation and have lost their last five league matches.
The win keeps Al-Nassr firmly in the hunt for a top-three finish, with Ronaldo and Mane continuing to lead the charge.