Cristiano Ronaldo delivered a stellar performance to lead Al-Nassr to a 3-1 victory against a ten-man Al-Khaleej, keeping their Saudi Pro League title ambitions alive. Despite a shaky start, Ronaldo’s magic and leadership proved decisive in a match that tested the Knights of Najd’s resilience.
A Frustrating First Half
Al-Nassr’s first-half performance was underwhelming. Even after Al-Khaleej’s Saeed Al-Hamsal was sent off in the 33rd minute for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity outside the penalty box, Al-Nassr failed to capitalize. VAR confirmed the red card, but the numerical advantage did little to energize Al-Nassr’s attack. Manager Georgios Donis of Al-Khaleej was visibly livid with the decision, leading to his ejection from the touchline.
The lack of creativity in Al-Nassr’s midfield and the sluggish pace of play left Ronaldo visibly frustrated. By halftime, the Portuguese star and Marcelo Brozovic were seen deep in discussion, reflecting the team’s struggles.
Ronaldo Breaks the Deadlock
Stefano Pioli made tactical adjustments at halftime, introducing Saad Hussain Haqawi and Salem Al-Najdi to inject energy into the midfield. However, it wasn’t until the 65th minute that Ronaldo stepped up with a moment of brilliance. After a clever back flick from Otavio, Ronaldo unleashed a powerful low volley into the bottom corner, finally putting Al-Nassr ahead.
Late Drama and Ronaldo’s Heroics
The lead didn’t last long. Kostas Fortounis equalized for Al-Khaleej from the penalty spot in the 68th minute after Ali Lajami handled the ball in the box. But Al-Nassr responded almost immediately. Sultan Al-Ghannam restored the lead with a clinical finish after a precise through ball from Brozovic.
Deep into injury time, Brozovic once again dissected Al-Khaleej’s defense with a brilliant pass to Haqawi. Instead of going for goal, Haqawi selflessly squared the ball to Ronaldo, who tapped it into an empty net to seal the victory.
A Flattering Scoreline, but Concerns Remain
While the 3-1 scoreline suggests a comfortable win, Al-Nassr’s performance was far from convincing. They struggled to impose themselves for much of the match and relied heavily on Ronaldo’s individual brilliance. Pioli’s side must address their lack of cohesion and creativity if they are to remain serious title contenders.
The MVP: Cristiano Ronaldo
When Al-Nassr needed a hero, Ronaldo delivered. His powerful and precise volley for the opening goal and his late tap-in showcased his enduring ability to influence games at the highest level. From Lisbon to Riyadh, Ronaldo continues to write his legacy.
The Turning Point: Al-Hamsal’s Red Card
Al-Hamsal’s dismissal gave Al-Nassr the breathing room they needed. While Al-Khaleej defended valiantly with ten men, they eventually succumbed to the pressure, especially in the final minutes when fatigue set in.
What’s Next for Al-Nassr?
After this crucial win, Al-Nassr will look to build momentum as they prepare to face Al-Fateh on Sunday. Pioli must use this time to refine his team’s tactics and address their inconsistencies if they are to stay in the title race.
Match Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
While the result was vital for Al-Nassr, the overall performance left much to be desired. Ronaldo’s brilliance saved the day, but the team needs to improve significantly to maintain their title push.
