Al-Nassr took the lead against Al-Ittihad on Friday, September 26, 2025, at King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah, during the fourth round of the Saudi League. The goal came at the eighth minute of the first half, scored by Sadio Mané with a brilliant left-footed volley after a precise cross from Kingsley Coman. Both teams entered the match with a 100% record, each holding nine points, and the clash determines the sole leadership.
The classic features former Real Madrid teammates Karim Benzema for Al-Ittihad and Cristiano Ronaldo for Al-Nassr. The game started evenly, with Al-Ittihad pushing forward, but Al-Nassr capitalized on the flanks to create the decisive chance. The score remains 0-1 for the visitors, with the ball still in play in the first half.
- Al-Nassr: Bento; Al-Boushal, Simakan, Iñigo Martínez, Yahya; Brozovic, Al-Khaibari; Coman, Mané, João Félix; Ronaldo. Coach: Jorge Jesus.
- Al-Ittihad: Rajkovic; Al-Julaydan, Al-Mousa, Danilo Pereira, Fagihy; Kanté, Fabinho; Aouar, Diaby, Bergwijn; Benzema. Coach: Laurent Blanc.
Both teams are chasing the title, with Al-Ittihad as the current champions and Al-Nassr pressing for the trophy.
Key moments timeline in the first half
- 00′: The referee starts the match, with Al-Ittihad kicking off in a packed King Abdullah Stadium.
- 02′: Al-Nassr threatens early, João Félix receives in the box after a quick move but fails to finish.
- 08′: Goal for Al-Nassr! Coman crosses from the right, and Mané strikes a perfect left-footed volley into the corner, leaving Rajkovic no chance.
- 12′: Ronaldo takes a free kick from midfield but hits the wall; on the rebound, he attempts a header but grazes the ball, which goes out.
- 14′: Ronaldo advances on the left, enters the box, and shoots with his left foot, sending it over the crossbar.
The sequence of plays keeps the pace intense, with Al-Nassr controlling possession after the goal.
Lineups and tactical setups
Al-Ittihad employs a 4-3-3 under Laurent Blanc, prioritizing a strong midfield with Kanté and Fabinho to counter rival advances. Benzema, a scorer in earlier rounds, plays centrally, supported by Diaby and Bergwijn on the wings.
Al-Nassr, led by Jorge Jesus, opts for a 4-4-2, with Ronaldo and João Félix up top to exploit counterattacks. Mané, positioned in midfield, showed versatility in the goal-scoring play, while Brozovic anchors the midfield.
Both squads have strong substitutes, like Al-Shehri for Ittihad and Ghareeb for Nassr, ready to shift the game’s momentum.
Recent head-to-head clashes
The teams have faced off five times in the last two years, with Al-Nassr winning three matches. In May 2025, Ittihad staged a 3-2 comeback in Riyadh, securing crucial points for their campaign.
In the last Supercopa clash in August, Nassr won 2-1, with Ronaldo scoring the decisive goal. These games have produced 22 goals, averaging 4.4 per match.
The history underscores the rivalry, with alternating wins balancing the current leadership race.
Individual standout performances
Cristiano Ronaldo, with seven goals this season, tested the home defense with dangerous shots at the 12th and 14th minutes, maintaining constant pressure. His 2.3 shots-per-game average highlights his offensive threat.
Karim Benzema, Ittihad’s vice-top scorer with four goals, is yet to create a significant chance but moves to open spaces for the wingers. At 31, he has 10 assists in 2025.
Sadio Mané emerges as a key figure, with the volley that shaped the scoreline and an average of 1.5 dribbles per game.
Other names, like N’Golo Kanté in Ittihad’s defensive midfield, boast an 85% pass accuracy, controlling the early flow.
Pressure for results in the standings
Strategies for the remaining time
Al-Nassr uses high pressing to force errors, leveraging Coman and Ronaldo’s speed in quick transitions. This tactic yielded the early goal and maintains 55% possession so far, focusing on crosses from the flanks.
Ittihad responds with short passes in midfield, using Fabinho to distribute and Kanté to recover balls. The team pushes for an equalizer with Aouar’s infiltrations, aiming to level before the break.
Both coaches adjust positions, with Blanc demanding more width and Jesus reinforcing defense against counterattacks.
The match remains open, with Al-Nassr ahead, but Ittihad presses for a reaction in the final minutes of the first half.
