Al-Ahli won an important 3-2 victory over Al-Nassr, leader of the championship, in a game valid for Roshn Saudi League held at King Abdullah Sports City, in Jeddah, this Friday, January 2nd.
Ivan Toney scored twice for the home team, while Merih Demiral completed the scoring. Pelo Al-Nassr, Abdulelah Al-Amri scored twice. The match ended with expulsions in stoppage time for Ali Majrashi, from Al-Ahli, and Nawaf Al-Boushail, from Al-Nassr.
The result represents Al-Nassr’s first defeat of the 2025-26 season, opening up the opportunity for Al-Hilal to take the lead if they win at the weekend.
Cristiano Ronaldo, captain of Al-Nassr, performed below expectations and did not contribute with decisive goals or assists.
Goal details
Ivan Toney opened the scoring in the 7th minute, taking advantage of a precise cross to finish from close range.
Al-Ahli’s second goal came in the 20th minute, when Toney received a long throw and finished with style.
Abdulelah Al-Amri scored in the 31st minute, with a long shot that passed the goalkeeper
Al-Nassr’s equalizer came in the 44th minute, with Al-Amri heading in a corner taken by Marcelo Brozovic.
Merih Demiral gave Al-Ahli the lead in the 55th minute, after a deflection by
Performance of Ivan Toney
The English striker was the highlight of the night.
Toney converted opportunities efficiently and directly participated in the team’s three goals.
His performance reinforces his good moment in the championship, where he already accumulates regular contributions in submissions.
The former Brentford player demonstrated opportunism when exploiting the high line of the opponent’s defense.
Al-Nassr’s reaction in the second half
The visitors pressed in search of a draw after the third goal conceded.
Cristiano Ronaldo missed a clear chance when he tripped the ball on a pass received inside the area.
Joao Felix also had a shot blocked in the final minutes.
Despite having greater possession of the ball at times, Al-Nassr was unable to convert the opportunities created.
Expulsions and turbulent ending
In stoppage time, the game took on a confusing turn.
Ali Majrashi received a straight red card for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Nawaf Al-Boushail was sent off next, reducing both teams to ten players.
The changes did not change the final score, consolidating the victory of Al-Ahli.
Context in the table
Before the match, Al-Nassr was leading unbeaten after 11 rounds.
The team had 31 points, ahead of Al-Hilal by two.
Al-Ahli occupied fourth position and closed the gap to the leaders.
The defeat interrupts Al-Nassr’s positive streak and intensifies the title fight.
Important absences
Both teams dealt with absences due to call-ups for Copa Africana of Nações.
Al-Ahli did not have players like Riyad Mahrez and Franck Kessie.
In Al-Nassr, Sadio Mané was a significant casualty in the attack.
These absences influenced the lineups and the tactical balance on the field.
Key moments of the match
- At 7 minutes: Gol from Toney after assistance from Galeno.
- At 20 minutes: Segundo from Toney in a quick counterattack.
- At 31 minutes: Erro by goalkeeper Al-Sanbi in a shot by Al-Amri.
- At 44 minutes: Cabeçada by Al-Amri to equalize.
- At 55 minutes: Desvio from Toney for a goal from Demiral.
Al-Ahli knew how to exploit quick transitions and set pieces to define the result.
Main match statistics:
- Ball possession: Al-Ahli 45%, Al-Nassr 55%.
- Finishes: Al-Ahli 15, Al-Nassr 19.
- Expected goals: Al-Ahli superior in chances created.
- Red cards: Dois in stoppage time.
